Autonomous Boat Week 8 Update

It’s week 8 and the team is almost done with the completion of the powertrain systems. We have everyone working on their own respective parts and the categories below best summarize the overall group’s effort.

The photo shows the progress made on properly sizing the chain to the sprockets that connect the engine to the propeller shaft.

Powertrain Assembly
-Roughly 80% of the work has been done on the powertrain.
-Driveshaft will be finalized this Friday.
-New exhaust pipe has been installed.

Steering Assembly
-Subteam has created rudder from steel plate.
-Will be assembled into the boat by this Saturday.

Control Systems
-Controls team will be working on the coding to hopefully have it autonomous by this Sunday.

Energy Storage & Consumption
-Waiting for quote on custom fuel bladder.
-Exploring cogeneration capabilities including thermoelectric couplers.
-Working on wiring pump to transport fuel from the storage container to the fuel intake on the engine.

Design and Research / Other
-Continued investigation into possible sponsorships and outreach opportunities.

GOALS FOR THIS WEEK

Finish up the construction of the drive shaft system.
Raise the engine a little by adding more dampers so that the chain fits better and there is less vibration.
Get rudder system mounted.
Do initial testing in Balboa Bay this weekend.
Start Greenpeace application