Alternative Energy Syllabus
by T. J. Hilsinger
August 20, 2007
Instructor: Mr. Hilsinger
Industrial Technology Instructor
Planning Period: 5th period (11:47-12:37)
Lyons-Decatur Northeast High School
Alternative Energy
Power Drive
2007-2008
COURSE DESCRIPTION
EPT is a course that allows the students to study the transportation area in depth. The objective of this course is to enlighten the students of alternative energy opportunities. The majority of this course will be to build a car to race in the OPPD Power Drive program. Power Drive is a statewide contest that motivates students to design, build, and race an efficient vehicle. The car will be an electric vehicle running on 24 volts with a 1 HP electric motor and carrying 185 pounds of driver or driver and ballast. The program allows students to apply problem solving, design, engineering, math, science, teamwork, and research skills to a hands-on project. The Power Drive Program encourages interest in energy-related, welding, fabrication, engineering, and automotive-related industries. As this is a very extensive project it will require work outside of class so take this into consideration when registering.
COUSRE OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Explain the Power Drive program history, why it was started and how it will benefit students
- Build an electric vehicle according to the official Power Drive rules
- Match terms related to aerodynamics to their definition
- Construct a Styrofoam model of the car to test aerodynamics
- Interpret data from aerodynamics testing and select the most aerodynamic shape presented
- Construct a model frame from welding rod, accounting for rules and shape of body
- Match terms related to chassis fabrication to their definition
- Match terms related to steering geometry to their definition
- List three braking systems and explain how they work
- Operate the battery tester and interpret the data obtained
- Match terms related to electrical systems and batteries to their definition
- Calculate gear ratios and make conversions to final RPM and MPH
- Compile a detailed log book of work done throughout the year
- Produce a documentation folder for the team to present to the judges
- Design a rule conforming electric vehicle that can race for one hour
TESTBOOK INFORMATION
Due to the uniqueness of this course no textbook will be assigned. Handouts will be provided for assignments as needed.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Read and study assignments as minimal preparation for class
- Successful and timely completion of all test, quizzes, assigned lab work and any other assignment
- Maintain a neat and orderly work area, daily clean-up is required and is part of your grade
- Write a weekly journal with sketches/drawings, pictures, notes, time log and week summary
- Compile a portfolio including weekly journal, duties assigned, accomplishments, and discoveries
- Construct two models of the car, one of the body and one of the frame
- Complete a race car capable of competing at the races
- Attend at least two of the races
- Work at fundraisers and promotional events
- Research assigned area and select best choice of design
- Display a positive attitude in regards to safety, other students, and lab equipment
- Represent the school in a respectful, positive manner at all Power Drive events
GRADING INFORMATION
Final grade will be determined as follows:
Homework 10 pts
Tests 50-100 pts
Quizzes 10 pts
Attendance 5 pts
Weekly Journal 10 pts
Portfolio 200 pts
Safety/Clean-up 10 pts
Car Completion/Quality 350 pts
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Industrial quality eye protection (Jan. 16, 2003) (z87.1)
Appropriate lab clothing
2” three ring binder
Writing utensil
One subject notebook
COURSE OUTLINE
This is a tentative outline of where we should be in order to complete a car. We will adhere to it as closely as possible.
Week(s) Topic Assignment
1 Intro. To Power Drive Student info. sheet, expectations for team
2 Rules/Basic Design Print out and read rules, eight thumbnail sketches
3 Aerodynamics Aerodynamics worksheet, construct Styrofoam model
4-6 Aerodynamics Testing Finish models, test models, build/test revised model
7 Chassis Design/Components Chassis design worksheet, component placement
8-10 Chassis Fabrication Construct model chassis
11-12 Prototype Full-scale prototype
13 Steering geometry/design Design steering system for car
14-15 Fabrication Chassis/roll cage fabrication
16-18 Fabrication Wheel placement
19-22 Fabrication Steering/component placement
23 Electrical systems Wiring activity, wire car
24 Testing Testing sheets, initial car test
25-28 Fabrication Body work
29-30 Fabrication Finish work, race preparation
31-36 Races Maintain car, finish documentation, compete
