Project Charter

Project Title

Aerodrive: Arduino Fan Car

Purpose

Design and build a functional car prototype powered by computer fans that would be controlled by Arduino microcontroller. Aims to demonstrate alternative propulsion methods, utilizing embedded programming and circuit design skills while applying project management principles.

Cost Estimate

The total estimated cost for this project is $90.

Item	Description	Estimated Cost
Arduino Uno	Microcontroller board	$25
Computer fans (x4)	Propulsion units	$20
Chassis materials	Base, wheels, frame	$15
Power supply	Batteries, connectors	$10
Electronic components	Wires, resistors, MOSFETs	$10
Miscellaneous	Tools, adhesives, etc.	$10
Total Estimated Cost		$90

SMART goals

• Specific: Design and construct a fan powered car with an Arduino Starter Kit.
• Measurable: A prototype that move forward, adjust direction, and speed reliably for at least 5 minutes without failure.
• Achievable: Utilizing Arduino kit, four fans, and a lightweight chassis to complete a working prototype.
• Relevant: Learning and demonstrates system programming, electronics integration, propulsion, and design.
• Time-bound: Car that reliably run for 5 minutes without overheating or malfunctioning.

High Level Requirements

• Chassis to support fans and electronics.
• Arduino to control directions and speed.
• Battery packs for power management Arduino and fans.
• Control system (wireless or onboard).
• Documentation to replicate prototype.

Assumptions, Constraints, Dependencies

Assumptions:

• Access to Arduino Starter kit.
• Team members having basic programming skills and electronics knowledge.
• Sufficient thrust coming from fans.

Constraints:

• Components cannot exceed $90.
• Fan propulsions base.
• Small and lightweight prototype.

Dependencies:

• Programming must be finalized and tested before full system testing.
• The power system must be verified to supply sufficient voltage and current for both Arduino and fans.
• Documentation depends on completing a successful prototype.

High Level Risk

Risk	Impact	Probability	Mitigation Strategy
Insufficient trust from fans	High	Medium	Test multiple fan types, adjust angle, reduce car weight
Inadequate power supply	Medium	Medium	Use a separate power supply for fans and Arduino
Instability in Arduino code	High	Medium	Incremental testing and debugging

Time Estimate

• Total Duration: 5 weeks
  • Week 1: Project initiation.
  • Week 2: Electronic setup.
  • Week 3: Chassis construction.
  • Week 4: Programming and Integration.
  • Week 5: Testing and documentation.

Stakeholders

Role	Name	Responsibilities
Project Sponsor	Professor	Provides funding, ultimate decision authority
Project Manager	Jande Lopez	Overall coordination, timeline management
Electronics Engineer	Gianlucca Pirovano and Elio Jose Mendez Brancho	Circuit design, Arduino integration
Mechanical Engineer	Elio Jose Mendez Bracho and Jande Lopez	Chassis and propulsion design
Programmer	Mark Fernandez and Gianlucca Pirovano	Arduino code development
Tester / Documenter	Mark Fernandez, Gianlucca Pirovano, Elio Jose Mendez Brancho, and Jande Lopez	Prototype testing, results documentation
Users / Reviewers	Classmates	Recipient of functional prototype

Project Milestones

Milestones	Description
Project initiation	Define concept, gather materials
Chassis construction	Build car frame and mount fans
Electronics setup	Connect fans, Arduino, and power system
Programming phase	Develop and test Arduino control code
Testing phase	Conduct movement and control tests
Final documentation	Compile report and present results

Approval Signatures, Project Manager and Business Owner

Name	Title	Signature	Date
Professor Victor Arenas	Project Sponsor
Jande Lopez	Project Manager