Our team has recently received a 12-volt battery as well as a 96v cable that will be used to connect the batteries to the controller and motor from Interstate Battery Company. The 12-volt battery will be used as an auxiliary battery to power the car's headlights, brake lights, turning signals, etc., without pulling energy from the main batteries. In order to keep the auxiliary battery from being depleted, we will run a DC/DC Converter from the main batteries to the smaller auxiliary battery. The DC/DC converter serves the same purpose as an alternator in an internal combustion engine vehicle, but without a belt that takes away energy from the motor. The auxiliary battery is also capable of being mounted at various angles because it is a dry-cell battery instead of a wet-cell battery. Interstate Battery has also donated a 50-foot piece of cable that is used for welding to our team to use as connecting cables for the batteries, controller, and motor. This cable is much more flexible than most cables of the same capacity, which is perfect for use in our car.
12-Volt auxiliary battery donated by Interstate Battery Company
50-Foot cable donated by Interstate Battery Company
Cable and Battery together.
The next step in our project is mounting the main batteries when the battery rack arrives, and getting them in place. We still have to complete the interior of the car, finish upgrading the breaks, and place the batteries before the competition in a few weeks. We hope to continue making progress, and complete the car on time.
