The team conducted five trial runs using the push and pull configurations as detailed below in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 1: Pull Motor Configuration [1]
Figure 2: Push Motor Configuration
The AEV’s motors were accelerated to 25% in three seconds and then moved to 250 marks (about 120 inches) before braking. The median trial runs used 40.59 less Joules per run, which results in a savings of $2,427.26 per run (Figures 4 and 5). In addition, the AEV required a smaller power input while travelling when using the pull configuration.
Figure 3: Energy Cost in Pull Configuration
Figure 4: Energy Cost in Push Configuration
Figure 5: Power Input by Motor Configuration
References:
[1] Ohio State Fundamentals of Engineering Program, “Lab Manual Advanced Research And Design” [Course documentation]. Available: carmen.osu.edu for ENGR 1182. [Accessed Mar. 13, 2019]