Primary Goals:
1. To gain a better understanding of the operations in a series and parallel circuit.
2. Exercise creativity in modifications on Good Car by applying knowledge of circuits and design.
3. Calculate voltage, current, power, and resistance to decide what circuit is most efficient for operation.
1. To gain a better understanding of the operations in a series and parallel circuit.
2. Exercise creativity in modifications on Good Car by applying knowledge of circuits and design.
3. Calculate voltage, current, power, and resistance to decide what circuit is most efficient for operation.
Generate Concepts
Develop A Solution
Evaluate Solution
My experience with hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels, and batteries as power sources was an interesting experience. Hydrogen fuel cells, despite being a relatively Eco-friendly source, isn't very efficient. The cell just doesn't pull enough voltage to give the car a sufficient amount of power.
Wiring solar panels was a fun time. It was thrilling to really put what we'd learned of in class onto a real circuit and watch our work operate. Considering, I find electrical engineering fascinating, the wiring of bread boards was a memorable section of this project. Also because, I accidentally shorted a battery, I learned from this and didn't have further issues.
Working with batteries was equally as entertaining. It was a learning experience to see what worked efficiently and what did not. From switching battery brands, voltage and sockets I had to make the best judgement as to what would be best for the cars operation.
I also had to do a bit of trial and error in accordance with series and parallel circus to determine what made the car travel fastest. I had to switch up how many batteries I used, to prevent a shortage. I also redesigned circuits car originally to distribute the weight properly.
Mistakes I made, were really only one thing and that's, I shorted a battery and caused it to..com-bust for a lack of better terms. In result of this I changed what batteries I used and how many I used. I also then learned to not leave a circuit plugged in, and that if you smell melting plastic, it's probably you.
I adapted the skill of building simple circuits and working better with VEX products. This project was definitely one of my favorites due to its freedom of creativity, hands on aspect and also because electrical engineering is all around us. In every thing we do its Grade A engineering, our society runs on engineering, specifically electrical. The Good Car project was an opportunity to explore this over looked wonder of engineering.
Wiring solar panels was a fun time. It was thrilling to really put what we'd learned of in class onto a real circuit and watch our work operate. Considering, I find electrical engineering fascinating, the wiring of bread boards was a memorable section of this project. Also because, I accidentally shorted a battery, I learned from this and didn't have further issues.
Working with batteries was equally as entertaining. It was a learning experience to see what worked efficiently and what did not. From switching battery brands, voltage and sockets I had to make the best judgement as to what would be best for the cars operation.
I also had to do a bit of trial and error in accordance with series and parallel circus to determine what made the car travel fastest. I had to switch up how many batteries I used, to prevent a shortage. I also redesigned circuits car originally to distribute the weight properly.
Mistakes I made, were really only one thing and that's, I shorted a battery and caused it to..com-bust for a lack of better terms. In result of this I changed what batteries I used and how many I used. I also then learned to not leave a circuit plugged in, and that if you smell melting plastic, it's probably you.
I adapted the skill of building simple circuits and working better with VEX products. This project was definitely one of my favorites due to its freedom of creativity, hands on aspect and also because electrical engineering is all around us. In every thing we do its Grade A engineering, our society runs on engineering, specifically electrical. The Good Car project was an opportunity to explore this over looked wonder of engineering.
Present A Solution
The limitations of electrical energy created by renewable energy sources are those that effect efficiency. Solar energy, which is a renewable recourse, is very inefficient in electrical engineering. This is because its difficult to harness the sources full energy, due to this, energy is lost, along with efficiency. Solar energy doesn't pull enough voltage in certain situations to be considered a prime energy source.
Wind energy is also difficult. Wind energy cannot be controlled as easily, and what to do with the excess? Engineers struggle with a proficient placement of wind farms, as the pose a threat to wildlife, and the public isn't pro wind energy due to its appearance.
Hydro power, is already implemented in most rivers through the use of dams. Despite this, this doesn't mean we harness 100% of the sources energy, like most renewable sources, energy is lost through transfer and absorption. Hydro power also is detrimental to marine life, the public is also not in favor of causing any further marine damage.
Wind energy is also difficult. Wind energy cannot be controlled as easily, and what to do with the excess? Engineers struggle with a proficient placement of wind farms, as the pose a threat to wildlife, and the public isn't pro wind energy due to its appearance.
Hydro power, is already implemented in most rivers through the use of dams. Despite this, this doesn't mean we harness 100% of the sources energy, like most renewable sources, energy is lost through transfer and absorption. Hydro power also is detrimental to marine life, the public is also not in favor of causing any further marine damage.