1. Introduction
This post is designed to give a better understanding of the process needed to build a Go-Kart with a group of 20-30 students. In this document, several points are explained as background information needed by students, along with the steps to build the Go-Kart and the cost of the project.
The aim of the Go-Kart project is to engage students’ imaginations, their scientific skills, develop their research skills and teach them how teamwork. This will be achieved as collaboration between your school and the WESC team.
Students will be engaged in all the processes necessary to make the Go-Kart, from designing the car, to deciding what parts are needed, to purchasing the parts, to assembling them, to re-evaluating whether it works or not and eventually testing out their model.
2. Required Background
Before the students start any kind of project, they must start with the theory.
We suggest certain topics that the students should know before hand, before they can embark on the Go-Kart project and these are:
2.1. Physics applied to Electricity.
Resistors, Diodes, Capacitors, Transformers.
The student should be able to understand the basic rules of electricity such as Ohm Law (U=R*I) Power law (P=U*I), The difference between AC and DC voltage, and some regulator schematics such as Inverters.
This theory is for power train understanding, from batteries to wheels through the electric motor. As well as speed regulation and control.
2.2. Basic Mechanics.
Differentiation between Speed and Acceleration. Knowledge of Gravity, Newton Force, Stability and Balance between two Vectors.
Students must understand: weight distribution, wheel friction on the ground, good design and fixation of the seat into the Go-Kart structure.
2.3. Mathematics
Trigonometric and Geometric basics.
The subject relates mainly to structural design. Students will learn how to transcribe what they have in mind onto paper, then into a real, life-size metallic structure.
They will learn the real conditions of problems that we never face on paper, such as engineering precise joints for two interlocking pieces.
3. Days of work required
The answer to this question depends on two factors: availability of materials and your motivation.
To save time we suggest that students are divided into teams. Each team will have specific task. E.g.:
Team 1: Frame/ body design
Team 2: Brakes
Team 3: Steering wheel and direction system
Team 4: Engine
Team 5: Documentation and reporting.
At first each team will be engaged on their own work independently from others. Eventually the students will need to coordinate with the other teams in case there have been changes and they will then need to appropriately adjust to the changes. Of course at the end all the teams must work together to fit the Go-Kart like a puzzle.
A preliminary estimation of the time needed to complete the project is: 10 days
4. Steps to build the Go-Kart.
4.1. Studying the above mentioned theories.
Where?: Your School. Cost: N/A
4.2. Meeting with the WESC team.
Where? Your School. Cost: 100 LE.
A good presentation from both parties must be done to find together the expected results.
A good understanding by both parties from the beginning is a third problem already resolved.
4.3. Second meeting with WESC team Place: Your School. Cost: 100 LE
Students give a presentation on their groups and the list of supplies are provided. The students are then given tasks for the purchases.
4.4. Purchases
Where?: Wekala, Sabtia etc. Cost: 200LE (or 400)
There will be two leaders and the students responsible with the purchases will go out and buy their equipment with the aid of the leaders.
4.5. First day at WESC.
Where?: WESC. Cost: 40LE/Student
Student teams must’ve been created at school by this point. After a brief presentation of our center and facilities, we may start our first day of real work.
4.6. Building the Chassis
Place: Wadi Warehouse 200LE per WESC assistant.
Students from the frame team will be assembling their chassis. Two leaders necessary.
In the coming days, students must concentrate on the project work. If all the conditions are present; the final result may be achieved within seven days. Seven to eleven days of work is expected for a “simple” Go-Kart.
An upgrade of our basic model may be discussed. We may think of options for higher speed, greater power, lighter frame, more aerodynamic design. We will review the electric schematics, limit the mechanical wastes and so on.
All of this must be discussed with the school and the WESC team on the meeting day. After this we may decide exactly on the final cost and deadlines.
6. Budget.
| Material |
| Information |
|
| Price/unit | Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Metallic frame | The Go-Kart Body |
| 400 | 400 |
| DC motor |
| The"engine" |
|
| 800 | 800 |
| Transmission | From motor to the wheel |
| 250 | 250 |
| 4 Wheels |
|
|
|
| 35 | 140 |
| 2 wheels axis |
|
|
| 100 | 200 |
| Direction system | Steering wheel, and direction system | 650 | 650 |
| Seat |
| Pilot seat |
|
| 100 | 100 |
| Electronics |
| Speed regulation and control | 300 | 300 |
| Battery |
| Energy providers (minimum 2 is required) | 600 | 1200 |
| Brake |
|
|
|
| 200 | 200 |
| 4 SKFs |
| Ball bearing |
|
| 25 | 100 |
| Electric Accelerator |
|
|
| 175 | 175 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| TOTAL: (LE) | 4515 |
Source of information:Mr. Rédouan, WADI’s Enginneer.
We suggest this cost per student depending if the number of students participating are 20 or 30 as seen below:
| Type | Unit | Total |
| School visit | 100LE X 2 | 200LE/ # students |
| 9 WESC visits | 40LE | 360LE |
| Outside visit | 200 LE X 4 | 800 LE/ # students |
| Go-Kart cost (20 students) | 4515LE ÷ 20 students | 226LE |
| Total Amount (for 20 students) |
| 640LE / Student |
| Go-Kart cost (30 students) | 4515LE ÷ 30 students | 150 |
| Total Amount (for 30 students) |
| 560LE / Student |
7. Evaluation
We suggest that along side the project all the teams document all the stages of the Go-Kart with their plans, their measures, their research, the mistakes they did and their pictures. This document can then become a valuable publication for the school.
Another suggestion would be to hold a panel discussion between students and Engineers and experts from Oil Companies, where the students propose their project and discuss the possibility of new forms of renewable energy.
As a final result the students will have gained experience in scientific theory, in scientific application, in teamwork and the satisfaction to achieve such a big target.
In order to understand the full scope of the Renewable Energy Vehicle Race you must read these posts
Build your own go-cart and race it against others to showcase the energy efficiency of non-polluting, environmentally friendly vehicles! Participants (working with their class or club) must design and build their own cars, powered only by renewable energy (such as hydrogen or solar).
