The Advanced R&D required coordination between sectors of the company in order to research as many aspects of the project as possible. Group L specifically chose to investigate the types of braking and motor quantity.
Power Braking vs. Coasting
The purpose of this advanced R&D was to compare power braking and coasting. Coasting required less energy than power braking, but it completed the task at the cost of more control. Power braking, although a larger consumer of energy, did pursue energy efficiency at the expense of safety.
Power Braking :
Energy: 62.971 J
Energy: 63.592 J
The power braking method does not have a large travel distance once the energy is cut off. This provides more control and consistency when running multiple tests.
Coasting:
Energy: 25.190 J
Energy: 32.366 J
The coasting graphs show a large distance of travel after the power has been cut off to the motors. This extra distance does not cost any extra energy, but it is unpredictable.
Takeaways:
The power braking method allows for more control and an element of safety. Coasting, although more energy efficient, was not chosen because of safety concerns.
Motor Quantity
The amount of motors necessary to complete the task effectively and efficiently. Testing two motors vs. one motor was done in order to compare the energy needed to complete a certain task.
Two Motors:
Energy: 31.739 J
One Motor:
Energy: 17.268 J
Takeaways:
The two motor design allows for more control and power. The test also revealed it was more energy efficient over time.