September 25, 2019

This week placed much emphasis on assigning roles and researching on the different components that will make up our power modulus. Since we plan on incorporating the use of lithium-ion batteries with supercapacitors, we are looking into how we can connect the two varying power sources into the same circuit. We also looked into finding a way to charge our supercapitors, but due to limited resources, we might look into designing our own charger. 

Based on the presentation we gave on 9-25-19, we have decided to plan the upcoming week to learn how to use the BMS software and study the power modulus connections used in modern cars. We also plan to install PCAD to our computers so we can start designing our PCBs. 

19 September 2019

This week, we set up our slack account for more efficient team communication. In addition, we met with Tynan Winters, who worked with the power module last year, to address the challenges they had last year and some suggestions moving on. First, we tested the supercapacitors to make sure the charge was empty. After testing it with DMM, we realized that the supercaps were still charged. Tynan showed us how to safely discharge all the supercapacitors using a series of resistors. Next, Tynan explained how the Orion BMS, relays, and battery worked. 

We noticed that the housing built the previous year was fixed into the bogie. It was determine that this year, we should create a plug-n-play system for easier access during maintenance and development stages. Ron suggest that we use Anderson connectors for our wires in order to create a plug n play system with power pickup mechanism. 

In addition, we also talked to Tynan about the current and voltage input requirements needed to charge the supercapacitors. Tynan also provide us a spreadsheet that will help us calculate the amount of time required to fully charge our power modulus. We also talked about the charger that were use last year and ask for suggestion for better charging mechanism.

First Team Blog

Contact Info

Name                                Phone Number                             Email

1. Steven Goh                  (408)-537-3776                            stevengoh001@gmail.com

2. Eric Near                     (831)-706-7865                            ericnear1@gmail.com

3. Joe Lau                         (415)-694-3935                           laujoe33@yahoo.com

Free			Class/Work
Steven Goh
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 12:30
12:30 - 13:00
13:00 - 13:30
13:30 - 14:00
14:00 - 14:30
14:30 - 15:00
15:00 - 15:30
15:30 - 16:00
16:30 - 17:00
17:00 - 17:30
17:30 - 1800
18:00 - 18:30
18:30 - 19:00
19:00 - 19:30
19:30 - 20:00
20:00 - 20:30
20:30 - 21:00
Eric Near
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 12:30
12:30 - 13:00
13:00 - 13:30
13:30 - 14:00
14:00 - 14:30
14:30 - 15:00
15:00 - 15:30
15:30 - 16:00
16:30 - 16:30
16:30 - 17:00
17:00 - 17:30
18:00 - 18:30
18:30 - 19:00
19:00 - 19:30
19:30 - 20:00
20:00 - 20:30
20:30 - 21:00
Joe Lau
	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 11:00
11:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 12:30
12:30 - 13:00
13:00 - 13:30
13:30 - 14:00
14:00 - 14:30
14:30 - 15:00
15:00 - 15:30
15:30 - 16:00
16:00 - 16:30
16:30 - 17:00
17:00 - 1800
18:00 - 18:30
18:30 - 19:00
19:00 - 19:30
19:30 - 20:00
20:00 - 20:30
20:30 - 21:00

Project Scope:
The power module should accurately deliver power to dual motors attached to the system and interface with the
wayside power team to develop a workable power system.

Deliverable:
1. PCB for charging and other electronics
2. Appropriate cooling for power module components
3. Portable and robust supercap and battery containment with appropriate integrated connectors or wiring that
is serviceable and will allow easy maintenance.
4. Power / charging monitoring method
5. Demonstrate delivery of power as supplied by the wayside team