Alternative Energy Vehicle

The Task

For this project I was placed in a group with Megan Lobl and Nicholas Di Pasqua. Our task was to design, build, and present a proposal for a vehicle that translates stored energy (PE) into motion (KE). The vehicle had to safely transport 250 grams worth of passengers a distance of 5 meters. Everyone in our group built a different prototype but we ended up choosing to present Megan's because it traveled the quickest. Her vehicle is powered by wind power. Our pitch to Hyundai is below, as well as the data analysis sheet.

Description of Process

1. As a class, we brainstormed ideas of how we would move our vehicle with an alternative energy source including rubber bands, steam, a ramp, and wind.

2. Our group decided we wanted to think out of the box and use wind for our energy source. We began blueprinting and thinking of how to put our ideas into action.

3. After our plans were done, we began to build. We wanted to build a gondola powered by wind. This took lots of careful planning and modifying. During the building process we shared our ideas and gave each other help when we needed it.

4. After our initial building was done, we began to run tests and modify our designs. When they were done to the best of our ability, we filmed each of our designs running and analyzed the videos.

5. While we were reviewing the videos, we chose Megan's design because we thought it worked best. From her video we found the velocity, potential energy, kinetic energy, thermal energy, and more.

6. Lastly, with our collection of data, we created a final presentation which included pictures, videos, graphs, and more information on the vehicle.

Content

Spring Potential Energy:

Our group's vehicle did not have a spring potential energy. This is because we used wind power instead of spring energy.

Gravitational Potential Energy:

Gravitational potential energy (PE) is the energy an object has due to it's position at a height or a gravitational field. Our PE was found differently because we used wind power. We used the Kinetic Energy of the wind because that was what powered our machine.

Kinetic Energy:

Kinetic Energy (KE) is the energy due to motion. We found the KE of our vehicle with the equation KE=1/2(mass)(velocity)^2.

Total Energy:

Total Energy is all of the energy used. Usually, it is found with the equation Total Energy=PE+KE+thermal. In our case, the Total energy was equivalent to the KE of the wind(the PE).

Thermal Energy:

Thermal Energy(TE) is the energy transferred to heat. To find the TE, the equation TE=total energy-PE-KE.

Distance vs. Time:

Distance vs. Time is a measure of data that can be used to show the rate of movement of an object over a period of time.

Velocity vs. Time:

Velocity vs. Time is another measure of data that shows the velocity and how it changes over a period of time.

Reflection

Overall, I think my group did a really good job completing this project distantly. We collaborated and managed our time really well. We communicated our thoughts and ideas clearly to one another.

In this project I think I improved my empathy skills. I knew I wanted to work on it so I reached out to my group members and started conversations. It was difficult at the beginning of the project but in the end I think we became friends while working together. Although it was hard, I am proud of myself for making a connection with new people.

One thing I want to improve for the next project is my problem solving skills. I know I have good ideas but I struggle with making them come to life. When I come across an issue, I want to work through it and enjoy the struggle so I can push myself to be better. I am excited for the next project so I can prove to myself I know how to work through tough situations.