1)Weight – The weight of an AEV affects the performance in many different ways. It will cause the team to use more energy to go the needed route as well as be harder to stop the AEV.
- The lighter the body is means the least amount of energy and cost to run the AEV
- Being light will also help the AEV stop using less energy
2) Aerodynamics – Being aerodynamic is crucial to using the least amount of energy to run the vehicle. Just as the weight the more aerodynamic the AEV is the less energy it will need to power it. The less power then turns into less cost and more profit.
- Aerodynamics will keep the cost as low as possible
- It will also make our AEV look unique and appealing to the eye
The graphic above shows that aerodynamics are very important to the design of our AEV. The AEV should have a smooth front and a smooth rear. The smooth front will cause less drag and smooth rear will create less vacuum pressure to create drag as well.
(http://www.buildyourownracecar.com/race-car-aerodynamics-basics-and-design/)
3) Programming – The programming is also very important and will have to be calculated perfectly.
- The programming can cause us to use just the right amount of energy so we do not use too much
- Also, if the programming is off it could cause a failure or accident which would not be good
One important takeaway is that with electric motors, more power isn’t always better: In terms of efficiency.
(https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/04/f15/10097517.pdf)
4) Structure
- The structure of the AEV must be strong as well as aerodynamic.
- This will make the AEV not flex and lose energy where it is not needed
- Also, the AEV needs to be sturdy on the track so it has repeatable outcomes every run