R&D

We've already done some basic preparations for actually constructing the model car.  Orthographic drawings of an initial design have been done and will be posted eventually.  A ProENGINEER CAD drawing of a basic chassis has also been completed.  The motor itself has been tested in conjunction with the solar panel and is fully functional.

As for quantitative research, two general system model equations have been given to us; one for the solar panel and one for the DC motor.



Figure 1: The electrical system relating the current of the solar panel to the current of the DC motor.  [1]

 Our specific model of motor, however, came with its own data sheet detailing information such as the general speed it can provide, the power it can generate, and the amount of current it can draw.



Figure 2: The data table and graph from the data sheet of the model of motor we are using, RE-260RA-18130.  [2]

References:
[1] Scoles,Kevin (2012) System Models [Online] Available FTP: https://learning.dcollege.net/webct/urw/tp2604862946111.lc2491898185011//RelativeResourceManager?contentID=2625276825091
[2] Mabuchi Motor (2012) RE-260RA [Online] Available FTP: http://www.pololu.com/file/download/re_260ra.pdf?file_id=0J17