User:Palluri9407/enes100/Electric Cars

Link to project ekart team page.

Give instructor top 3 project choice list

 * 1. Engines
 * 2. Electric Cars
 * 3. Helicopter

Write problem statement
How to build an electric go kart chassis out of metal rods in order to enter it in a competition?

Assign Task1

 * Research different competitions over the internet that has to do with go karts
 * Research on what dimensions the go kart should be built upon
 * Research ways to build the go kart with minimal expenses to us and the school
 * Research websites such as ebay and craigslist to find used go karts that can be altered to run on batteries.
 * Come up with an amount of money that is needed to push this project further

Compare actual work done to Task1
Did a lot of research about different competitions that were available

Week1 Narrative
I found a couple of websites that helped out for different building techniques, and dimensions that were necessary for us to build the go kart.

Week1 Peer Review
Peer review

Assign Task2

 * Research on what dimensions the go kart should be built upon
 * Research ways to build the go kart with minimal expenses to us and the school
 * Research websites such as ebay and craigslist to find used go karts that can be altered to run on batteries.

Compare actual work done to Task2
Researched alot about different competitions for our go kart, and looked at a few different websites to get an idea of what type of dimensions are needed to build an electric go kart.

Week2 Narrative
My job for this week was to design a go kart frame that we can eventually build to make an electric go kart. At the beginning of the week I was able to do a majority of my research on different specifications that can be used for a go kart frame. I stumbled upon a number of website that were helpful including Kartbuilding Blog and Limestone Media. After doing the research I started on designing the frame using Autodesk 123D that was first introduced in class. Below is the image of the go kart frame that i have been working on.



Week2 Peer Review
Peer review

Assign Task3
Continue working on the design and modify it to make it ready for building.

Compare actual work done to Task3
Worked a little bit on the go kart frame on 123D. Then I shifted my attention to the batteries that go on the go kart.

Week3 Narrative
This week I shifted most of my attention to the batteries that went on to the electric go kart. I was able to revive the remaining dead car batteries that were donated to the go kart project. I used different websites such as ehow.com and also saw a few videos on youtube such as Reviving a dead car battery in order to understand how to finish the job effectively and safely.

Directions to revive the Batteries:


 * Connect the positive, red clip to the positive ( + ) battery post, and connect the negative clip to the negative post on the car battery.


 * Set the charger to the proper voltage and desired amperage. The voltage should be set at 12 volts and a setting of 2 to 4 amps.


 * Turn on the battery charger and plug the cord to an electrical outlet.


 * Wait for battery to be revived. It should take several hours for a complete charge.


 * Unplug your car battery charger once the battery has been fully charged. Turn off the power switch and disconnect the clips, starting with  the negative clip first. The car battery should be fully revived.

Photos of the batteries that were revived



Week3 Peer Review
Peer review

Assign Task4
Work on the circuitry for the electric go kart

Compare actual work done to Task4
I was only able to work a little bit on the circuitry this week.

Week4 Narrative
This week I was only able to research a little bit on the speed controller and the electrical system that was needed for the electric go kart. I shifted most of my attention this week to the motor. I was able to test it with a 24V battery to make sure everything was working properly before it was mounted onto the go kart frame.

Some of the websites that I went through while researching for the speed controller and electrical system:


 * D&D Motors
 * Electric Scooter Parts
 * Electric Go-Kart

These were some of the instructions that I followed in order to make sure everything was in working condition:


 * Check the bearings of the motor
 * Check the windings for short circuit to the frame
 * Check that the windings are not open or blown
 * Make sure nothing seems out of place
 * Connect the wires to the battery to start the motor and test it

After the test, I was able to conclude that the motor works perfectly and it is ready to be mounted on to the frame.

Photos of the motor:

Week4 Peer Review
Peer review

Start Next Project Week0 activities
I am going to continue working on the electric go kart project ekart v.2