TEAM MEMBERS:
Khatua, Arpandeep (akhatua2) - ECE 120
Tiwari, Girish (gtiwari2) - ECE 120
Siva, Swamynathan (siva3) - ECE 120
INTRODUCTION:
As electronic hardware develops and electrical components and systems become more advanced and efficient, they are becoming applied in more devices than what was previously feasible. One example of this is the rise of hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Some electric car companies, such as Tesla, are looking to improve their transmission systems using supercapacitors in addition to the already existing large-capacity batteries. We are seeking to implement this on a much smaller scale; specifically, in an RC Car.
BACKGROUND RESEARCH:
The general properties of a capacitor are that it stores less energy than a battery, but can release and absorb this energy much quicker and also lasts through many more charges/discharges than a battery. Thus a hybrid system can last much longer and the capacitor also provides quicker bursts of energy and a potential to absorb nearly all the energy returned from regenerative braking in full-sized vehicles where the battery may not be able to do so. In an article that overviews some research from Vanderbilt University, Brian Wang states: “Pint’s super-capacitors”...“1,000x longer than a battery, making them suitable for mobile devices, automobiles, aircraft, homes, and more.” (Wang) Instead of having to buy a new battery several times over the course of a lifetime, a hybrid capacitor-battery system would provide not only this much-needed durability but even more efficiency and power.
DESIGN DETAILS (BLOCK DIAGRAM AND SYSTEM OVERVIEW):
Logic: Switch usage between battery and supercapacitor either via a remote switch and/or using speed sensors for maximum acceleration/speed or/and efficiency.
Sensors: sensors to detect and display the charge left in the battery(ies) and supercapacitor(s) onto the RC remote if possible, as well as possible sensors to detect the speed of the vehicle via tire rotation to automatically switch between supercapacitor and battery use according to programmable digital logic
PARTS REQUIRED:
RC car base, motors, wheels, battery(ies), supercapacitor(s), multiple DC<->DC convertors, with variable inputs/outputs, remotes
Motor Specifications: Type- Brushless, DC, outrunner, 3600 rpm (for 3in tyres) (= 1s 1000KV=2s 500KV= 3S 333KV), 0.77Nm torque;
2 in tyres need 5500 rpm ( 1s 1500-2250kv, 2S 750-1125kv) 1.15Nm torque (acceleration from 0-13m/s in 1.5 seconds) (Taitinger)
Capacitors: 2000F @ 2.8V needed for ~5 seconds of motor run time.
Preferably split-up (10X 200F)
POSSIBLE CHALLENGES:
Power losses in AC-DC conversions and in supercapacitor charging.
Possibility of us giving too much power too suddenly for the tires to maintain grip/handling.
Smoothly transitioning from battery to capacitor and vise-versa
Excessive volume/weight of power electronics components
REFERENCES:
Links:
https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2014/05/supercapacitor-battery-hybrid-can-last.html
Sources Cited:
Wang, Brian. “Supercapacitor Battery Hybrid Can Last for 1000 Times More Charges than a Lithium-Ion Battery.” Next Big Future, Next Big Future, Inc., 7 Apr. 2017, www.nextbigfuture.com/2014/05/supercapacitor-battery-hybrid-can-last.html
Taitinger, Steven. “RC Project How to Choose Motors and ESCs (Speed Controls).” Creating For The Kingdom, Wordpress, 27 Apr. 2017, steventaitinger.wordpress.com/2016/02/05/rc-project-how-to-choose-motors-and-escs-speed-controls/
Posted by chorn4 at Oct 03, 2019 11:55