The Batteries Are In
Our NiMH batteries finally arrived from China. They consist of 120 cells at 1.2V/100Ahr. We bought them used from EVB Technology (Gold Peak Battery) and their derated capacity is 70Ahr.
Seabury Hall’s EV Opens Mokulele Hwy.
This week we have finally been putting things back into the car instead of ripping them out. We got an auxiliary battery and got some of the aluminum bent to fabricate a new dashboard. We are also figuring out the wiring to the brake lights and the turn signals. This has proved to be quite difficult, but we have been making considerable headway. See you next week!
Seabury Engineering
Focus Green
On March 11 we attended a Focus Green lecture presented by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, founders of Tesla Motors. Prior to the lecture we displayed last year’s electric car in the courtyard of the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. A crowd gathered to view the car and ask questions of our team. Both Martin and Marc were amongst the onlookers and they added their insight regarding electric vehicles. Their presentation that followed was outstanding. Both Martin and Marc made it clear that no matter what the energy source, the most efficient way to propel a vehicle is through an electric drive system. They also went on to state that Maui should be at the forefront when it comes to renewable energy, the implementation of a smart utility grid, and electric vehicles. These sentiments were echoed by both Bill Nye (the science guy) and Amory Lovins (Rocky Mountain Institute) who also presented as part of the Focus Green Lecture series.
Two days after the Tesla presentation, Martin Eberhard came up to our school and visited with the engineering team. He surveyed our current conversion and offered lots of ideas for us to consider. His expertise in the realm of electric cars and energy systems kept the class focussed for a good hour and a half. We promised to keep him up to date on our project.
Read More:
http://www.mauiweekly.com/features/story6412.aspx
http://teslafounders.wordpress
Feb. 29 Blog
This week we got alot done. We installed our new buckets seats wich help reduce the weight of the car, we also began the process of removing the brake vacuum which works as a hydralic aid, this will also reduce weight. The battery box crew completed the box and installed it and we should be ordering our batteries soon. we have begun the re-building process and the car is starting to come together.
Untill next time, this Brennen, over and out!
Kaheawa Wind Power Tour
On Feb. 1 our engineering team toured the Kaheawa Wind Farm on the slopes of West Maui. The tour began at sea level with a steep ascent to turbine no. 2 located at roughly 3000 ft. elevation. The wind was howling at upwards of 30 knots and all 20 of the 1.5 MW turbines were operating at full output capacity. We were very impressed with the magnitude of the turbines and their relative low noise. We were also fortunate to meet Gov. Linda Lingle and U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy Alexander A. Karsner while on the tour. Thanks to all at UPC Hawaii Wind for the opportunity to visit their site.
More Information about the trip here:
http://www.mauitvnews.com/Show/MauiTVNews2-07-08.html
http://mauitoday.tv/index.php?option=com_seyret&task=videodirectlink&id=1526
Our team finally ordered the aluminum we need to fabricate the new dashboard, as well as make a template for the cut. We also installed new back seats which are very comfortable. We are also about to order batteries which will power the car.
Week of January 12th
This week was filled with many challenging tasks. We are continuing to finish the battery box, finalizing it by putting in the wooden sides. The seats we ordered to put into the car have proven to be somewhat challenging to install. The front seats have a place to mount them on, but in the back seats we are going to have to weld a mount to the car and then fit the seats on them. The electrical issues were finally fixed and the break lights work again. We are also going to start raising money again to help pay for the lithium ion batteries that will run the car. Slowly but surely, the car is coming together.
Tune in next week to see how we’ve progressed,
Tasha
Week of December 10th
Hey folks, here is a little update on the progress of our team this week:With the chaos of the last week of school, one could say the ship was a little disorganized. As Beau, Alex, and Riley continued to weld to create the battery box, Tasha and Sierra dipped their feet into the world of welding. They went at it with brute force and did an excellent job. Over towards the more executive neck of the woods Shan and I began a process of scheduling for the next couple weeks and making sure everyone remained on task. We also were in pursuit of finding a piece of well priced aluminum sheet metal. This highly coveted piece would be used as a dashboard and would create a significant decrease in weight. After calling numerous companies we were reminded once again that we live on an island and often times resources are limited. Luke, the determined individual he is, continued to spearhead the attempt to build a solar garage. A solar powered garage would be a dream come true for the engineering program. Luke is still in the process of drafting sketches, finding resources, and proposing his ideas for approval. This task may be considered overwhelming but Luke is pushing through with constant verve. The biggest excitement and relief of the week was, by far, receiving the new motor. Now we will be able to continue to build this car we are working so hard to create.
Until next time,
Elise Sokolow
