One of the topics assigned to team C for advanced R&D was propeller configuration. Team C engineers were tasked with finding which propeller configuration, when used on your AEV, would help increase AEV efficiency and overall effectiveness. The four engineers each created their own propeller configuration, which presented the task of testing each of the four propeller configurations, and deciding which one would be most efficient. Shown below are the four propeller configurations.
Configuration 1 Configuration 2 Configuration 3 Configuration 4
When testing the propeller configurations, team C compared the amount of power the configuration consumed, over the distance it traveled. Each configuration was tested 3 times on the same track, with the same code, and the same AEV model. Shown below is a data chart showing each configurations power consumed over time.
Propeller Configuration – Power vs Time Graph
Judging by the data shown above, propeller configuration #2 was able to travel the furthest distance, while using only a slightly greater amount of power as compared to the second furthest traveling configuration. Going off of this data, team C engineers have concluded that propeller configuration #2 is the most efficient configuration of the four, as it moves the furthest distance, and only consumes a slightly greater amount of power as compared to the others.
Code Used
Refer here for information on command functions.
Code Explanation
reverse(4); Reverse all motors
celerate(4,0,25,3); Accelerate all motors from start to 25% in 3 seconds.
motorSpeed(4,25); Run all motors at 25% power.
goFor(5); Run for 5 seconds.
motorSpeed(4,23); Run all motors at 23% power.
goFor(3); Run for 3 seconds.
brake(4); Brake all motors.
goFor(4); Run for 4 seconds.
reverse(4); Reverse all motors.
motorSpeed(4,25); Run all motors at 25% power.
goFor(5); Run for 5 seconds.
brake(4); Brake all motors.
goFor(3); Run for 3 seconds.