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MAKER: Autonomous Solar-Powered Vehicle as a Learning Tool in Robotics and Green Energy
Conference proceeding   Open access

MAKER: Autonomous Solar-Powered Vehicle as a Learning Tool in Robotics and Green Energy

Richard Chiou, Yalcin Ertekin and Tzu-Liang Bill Tseng
Association for Engineering Education - Engineering Library Division Papers
26 Jun 2016
url
https://doi.org/10.18260/p.25609View
Published, Version of Record (VoR)Maybe Open Access (Publisher Bronze) Open

Abstract

Bluetooth Charging Clean energy Electronic devices Energy technology Global positioning systems GPS Learning Lithium Maximum power tracking Microcontrollers Modules Panels Remote control Renewable energy Robotics Satellite navigation systems Smartphones Solar energy Steering Students Waypoints Wireless communications
This paper presents the design, construction, and programming of an autonomous solar-powered ground vehicle by combining advanced autonomous robotics with green energy technology. The vehicle has been based on a customized remote control car whose steering is controlled autonomously using an Arduino microcontroller. The vehicle is able to drive to preset destinations using a global positioning system (GPS) receiver module and a compass to navigate to waypoints until the destination is reached. The vehicle can be powered using a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery that is recharged using solar panels. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) solar charger is used between the panels and the battery in order to provide the maximum charging current to the battery. A Bluetooth module is used to allow for wireless communication between the vehicle and an Android Smartphone. The paper aims to convey the importance of integrating educational robotics integrated with green energy as a technological learning tool for undergraduate students and explain how it helps students prepare for the future of industry.

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