University of Utah Power Control System Team

(Grand Canyon Project)

This team of two mechanical and two electrical engineering students will focus on controlling and interfacing the motors, batteries, and generation system so that real-time data can be provided to ensure optimal performance of the entire drive system. The objective of this team will be to design and construct a power production and control system. This team will also explore the use of a liquid-fuel power generator as a means of recharging the batteries. The system they build will provide control for battery powered operation in flat water and will control the generation of electricity by the generator under high throttle periods or during recharge periods. At least one foreseen problem that will affect the Power Control System Team is that of integrating the new generator and control system with the existing battery power supply to produce the amount of power necessary to run the motor at high output.

Specific tasks to be completed include:

Familiarization with Year 1 electric motor, battery system, and control unit.

Incorporation of gasoline/diesel generator for:

Power control system software and hardware design, prototyping, and incorporation into boat-ready box.

The Power Control Systems team will collaborate directly with the Electric Motor and Generation teams from the University of Utah. Additional collaboration is expected to occur with the Smoothwater Electric Motor team from Arizona State University.

Mid-Project Presentation

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