TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Overview
Power vs Time
Coasting vs Power Braking
Energy Analysis From Tests
Performance Test 1
Performance Test 2
Final Performance Test
Overview
In order to optimize the design of our AEV, several factors must be considered. Taking into account elements such as drag, efficiency, weight, and even the design of each component of the AEV, such as the propellers, we gathered information from the following sources during the design process to improve our vehicle.
https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/drag1.html
http://www.alternative-energy-tutorials.com/energy-articles/wind-turbine-blade-design.html
Power vs Time
The plot shows the output of the motors of the sample design to compare the wattage in the next advanced stages of testing. A maximum of almost 6.22 watts was achieved between 3 and 6 seconds of the motor running at 35% power.
Coasting vs Power Braking
- Coasting
- Less power consumption in the long run
- Gradual stops
- Takes too long for AEV to reach a certain distance
- Unreliable, distance of coast varies between each run
- Power Braking
- High amounts of power, almost twice the power, is used to brake.
- Time is saved when power braking.
In the end to optimize speed, power breaking would be the most ideal method of braking, but a combination of coasting may become useful in the transportation of the caboose.
Energy Analysis From Tests
The total consumptions of power from the final performance test came to be 212.9 joules. In reference to the other companies, power consumption was third best of all divisions.
Performance Test 1
This plot shows the energy output for Performance Test 1. A constant 12 watts was acheived for about 5 seconds when the AEV approaced the gate and then the spike in the flow of power shows the poloarity change in the motors for power braking. The pause for the gate to open is indicated by the power at 0 percent for 7 seconds and once the gate opens, the AEV travels towards the caboose.
Performance Test 2
This plot expands upon Performance Test 1 and shows the coasting towards the caboose, connecting and then beginning to reverse the motors at 14 seconds to 26 seconds. Energy then spikes when AEV carries caboose back towards the gate at a max power of 13 watts.
Final Performance Test
This plot shows the completed run of the AEV approaching the gate from 0 to 6 seconds then waiting at the gate from 6 to 13 seconds to then use power to an absolute position listed under Final Code from 13 seconds to 15 seconds. After this, AEV coasts down to connect to the caboose and waits 5 seconds from time 15 seconds to time 26 seconds. The AEV travels back to gate at 10 watts and then power brakes at the gate at an increased 11 watts. The AEV waits for gate to open again from time 33 seconds to time 42 seconds. The AEV then travels past the gate for 3 seconds and then cuts all power for 3 seconds until the AEV and caboose pass the hill on the track, and then power braking occurs for 2 seconds so the AEV and the load can come to a gradual stop at 54 seconds. The AEV takes just under 54 seconds to complete the course.