Quote:
Originally Posted by EricVanWyk
It seems you already have #1 taken care of. Can you give us specs? Also, do you need to stop at the end of the race? Do you need to steer?
For #2, be sure that it is rated to handle some voltage. A lot of these super caps are rated for 2-5 Volts. Remember, your boost comes from the difference between the capacitors voltage and the fuel cell's voltage. If the fuel cell pumps out 3V, you'll want something rated a bit higher.
For #3, boost regulators are really cool circuits that convert a low voltage, high amperage source into a high voltage low amperage source. Since you apparently have a large start time to charge the cap, this is perfect. Google "Step Up" or "Boost" Regulator. Also, check out www.linear.com and www.national.com . Alternatively, search for my previous chiefdelphi post on boost regulators. I really love these guys.
For #4 you have a few options. The simplest one would be a single pole, double throw switch. One throw would connect the fuel cell, the other would connect the capacitor. This way, you would flip one switch and everything would come to life. Before this, the boost converter would be busy charging your cap.
Alternatively, you could use a nice MOSFET, a relay, or (my favorite) an SCR. However, they probably aren't worth the headache.
Good Luck!
Also, you might want to make sure this is legal.
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I can use pretty much whatever I want in this particular race. Capacitor and included circuitry included. Just can't have anything else producing the power.
Also, the DigiKey links you all posted don't work for me. Could you please put in the part number(s)? That would help me find what you're talking about.
The fuel cell specs are pretty low at best.
The manufacturer says 1v, @ 500ma. (1 volt 500 miliamps: not sure what the abbreviations are.) So, I shouldn't have a problem charging the capacitor.
I cannot put any sort of radio-control equipment.
This is a straight 10m drag race-style competition. I can use the barrier to stop the car at the end of the race.
And can someone confirm this: "Doubling the voltage and amperage of the motor means I get 4 times the original horsepower. "
That's the whole reason why I want to double the voltage between the capacitor and motor, so I can have more power applied to the wheels to give me that extra boost. Eric, from your post I am under the impression that you intend to use the capacitor as a secondary power source, not as a way to dump power into the motor and have the motor in turn give off 4 times its normal horsepower.