Design, build, race, repeat

At our first ever race in June at Castle Coombe, we discovered our car had lots of potential. We also found there were many ways we could improve; from how we manage the  race to how we maximise the efficiency of our car. As with any challenge faced by Embley students, our determination fuelled us to improve and come back stronger!
 
Firstly, we came together as a team to discuss our ideas and looked at other teams with the same kit car to explore why we thought they were quicker. We set off, deciding on the improvements we would make and since September have been turning our ideas into reality.

We researched and developed a way of allowing our car to run at maximum efficiency with a speed controller which manages the power output of the motor, based on battery voltage. We also developed a web-based client to extract data from an E-Chook data logger and Greenpower’s live timing to visualise it. This allows us to look at how different drivers behave and how the car’s performance changes based on the conditions.

We also welcomed pupils from Embley Prep School to work on Greenpower’s Goblin car, a programme aimed at ages 9 to 11. We also hit the track running on the school’s first F1-in-Schools team, with the team being in the design stage and looking at manufacturing the car using CNC (computer numerical control). 

As we near the end of the term, the team is feeling upbeat and optimistic going forward. In the new year, we look forward to putting our Greenpower F24 and Goblin car to the test and hope to attend the F1-in-Schools regional finals. We are also planning to launch an opportunity for other students to race one of our cars around a course, competing to set the fastest time.

Finally, we would like to wholeheartedly thank our sponsors, Forelle Estates, Moores Prime, Groundsure and ANSYS for all their support.

Haroon, Max and Owen (Year 10)