RC Lions
Energy
The ultimate goal for this challenge is to charge the RC car batteries, while at nationals, using alternative energy resources. Through research, it was found that a wind turbine would create the energy we need while minimizing both the space needed to operate and material resources to build.
RC Lions (veteran team)- In an effort to address the project problem a collapsible vertical wind turbine will be built. RC car batteries charge at varying ranges dependent on battery carrying capacity (range 1.8-4.2 Amp). A 5- gear set up will drive a 3000 rpm vehicle air fan motor. (2) 9V batteries will charge and serve as the systems dump load. A charge controller will limit the rate at which electric current is added to the electric batteries. The turbine's 4 blades will be crafted out of cedar wood, high-density styrofoam and polycarbonate plastic. Blades will be mounted to the main shaft using 1/4" steel rods that will also allow for the blades to move closer in or extend out from the shaft (this feature was added to mechanically increase or decrease rotational motion). The blades angle of attack will be adjusted by a threaded rod that rests inside each blade. An innovative and integral component to the turbine blades hub mount is the addition of 18 magnets, 9 on each of the bottom and top mount holds, that have a 95lbs repulsion force. Minimizing friction between the rotating blade mount and turbine's main shaft is the intended goal.
RC Cubs (newcomers)- Two teams have been assembled, each in different class periods, both will compete head-to-head for the more efficient turbine to take to nationals. Similar to the veteran team, the Cubs will utilize a similar energy draw but instead build a horizontal turbine and use pulley's to drive their 3000 rpm motor. One team has hand-crafted each of the 3 blades using cedar wood, while the other will use PVC as the blades main structure and fill in the blades interior crevice using wax and plastic. The wax and plastic will represent the blades air foil. Both turbines have varying size dimensions but both will collapse to accomadate transportation.
For pictures over project status, please refer to the photo/video gallery.
Marketing
Team Identity
Innovation
The goal for this challenge is to combine software and hardware to create something new. Due to the open nature of this challenge 3 projects, in two class periods, will be attempted.
1st project (veteran team)-
2nd project (newcomers)- The goal/purpose of this project is to assess whether or not self sustaining over-unity generator is possible and, if it is, produce a viable prototype as proof of concept. The team is implementing this project because not only is there an enormous need for such a device in the world market, there is considerable ecological need as well. A truly self sustaining over-unity generator would not require any fuel beyond what is necessary to start its power generation cycle. Given this information and the fact that the vast majority of greenhouse gases come from the combustion of fossil fuels for energy generation purposes, it is readily apparent that 70% or more of US greenhouse gas emissions could be done away with. Provided that fossil fuel driven systems were completely replaced by self sustaining over-unity generation. Furthermore, based on 2004 data, 47% of the world’s greenhouse emissions could be eliminated by self sustaining over-unity from the energy supply and transport sectors alone.
3rd project (veteran team)- Our goal is to utilize a peltier cooling system to help decipate the amount of heat generated by the motor, battery, and speed control during races. Peltier coolers are rather inexpensive and require very little amperage to operate. A main supportive mount attached to the front and rear differentials will hold several more mounting towers. A small water pump, aligned directly to the peltier block, will allow water to travel through a network of rubber hoses that are integrated with the motor, speed control, and battery block. The peltier block is composed of a heat sink, water exchange block, fan, and the 2" X 2" peltier. A water reservoir rests adjecent to the pump, preventing the system from water loss. Short and long time trials will be performed and all 3 cooling components will be measured for temperature changes before and after races. Our final goal is to make all system blocks detachable to maximize time for probable repairs during races.
Racing
Our goal is to engineer our 1:10 scale electric RC car that is fast and handles well. Compete in time trials and head-to-head races on road courses, oval superspeedways and drag strips.
Our aerodynamic team have designed and created 3 bodies for each of the 3 racing competitions. Design for bodies were developed using last year's racing data over cars performance. Utilizing SolidWorks vitual air simuation, students were able to analyze coefficient of drag and lift. Research also focused on vortex generators and their direct inflence on the efficiency of our car.
A really cool competition this year is dragrace! The ultimate goal is to create a high accelerating RC car suitable for short track distrances. Through experimentation it was found that running 2 batteries in series, using a speed control that can handle up to 12V, and using a peltier cooling system would allow for more accelaration and recovery.