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= Project Charter: Arduino Fan-Powered Car =
== Project Title ==
 
== 1. Project Title ==
'''Aerodrive: Arduino Fan Car'''
'''Aerodrive: Arduino Fan Car'''


== 2. Project Purpose / Justification ==
== Purpose ==
The purpose of this project is to design and build a small, functional car prototype powered by computer cooling fans and controlled by an Arduino microcontroller.
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.
This project aims to explore alternative propulsion mechanisms, develop basic embedded systems programming skills, and demonstrate simple control of DC motors using Arduino.


== 3. Project Objectives ==
== Cost Estimate ==
* Design and construct a small-scale car chassis capable of supporting computer fans as propulsion units.
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
* Interface multiple computer fans with an Arduino for speed and direction control.
* Implement wireless or onboard control (e.g., Bluetooth, IR, or buttons).
* Evaluate the movement performance (speed, direction stability, power efficiency).
* Document the design, wiring, and code for reproducibility.


== 4. Scope Statement ==
The total estimated cost for this project is $90.


=== In Scope ===
! Item !! Description !! Estimated Cost
* Design and assembly of a four-wheel car chassis using lightweight materials (e.g., plastic, wood, or 3D-printed parts).
|-
* Integration of computer fans as propulsion devices (rear propulsion or wheel-assist).
| Arduino Uno || Microcontroller board || $25
* Development of an Arduino-based control system for fan speed and steering.
|-
* Power management using battery packs suitable for both the Arduino and fans.
| Computer fans (x4) || Propulsion units || $20
* Testing and performance documentation.
|-
| Chassis materials || Base, wheels, frame || $15
|-
| Power supply || Batteries, connectors || $10
|-
| Electronic components || Wires, resistors, MOSFETs || $10
|-
| Miscellaneous || Tools, adhesives, etc. || $10
|-
! colspan="2" | '''Total Estimated Cost''' || '''$90'''
|}


=== Out of Scope ===
== SMART goals ==
* Advanced aerodynamics or large-scale testing.
* Specific: Design and construct a fan powered car with an Arduino Starter Kit.
* Integration of sensors for autonomous navigation (unless added as future enhancement).
* Measurable: A prototype that move forward, adjust direction, and speed reliably for at least 5 minutes without failure.
* Use of commercial motor drivers for DC motors (focus on fan-based propulsion only).
* 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.


== 5. Deliverables ==
== High Level Requirements ==
* Functional prototype of the fan-powered Arduino car.
* Arduino sketch (code) for fan control.
* Electrical schematic and wiring diagram.
* Bill of materials (components list and costs).
* Final project report (design rationale, challenges, results).


== 6. Project Milestones ==
* 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 ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! Milestone !! Description !! Target Date
! Risk !! Impact !! Probability !! Mitigation Strategy
|-
|-
| Project initiation || Define concept, gather materials || [Date]
| Insufficient trust from fans || High|| Medium|| Test multiple fan types, adjust angle, reduce car weight
|-
|-
| Chassis construction || Build car frame and mount fans || [Date]
| Inadequate power supply || Medium || Medium || Use a separate power supply for fans and Arduino
|-
|-
| Electronics setup || Connect fans, Arduino, and power system || [Date]
| Instability in Arduino code || High || Medium || Incremental testing and debugging
|-
| Programming phase || Develop and test Arduino control code || [Date]
|-
| Testing phase || Conduct movement and control tests || [Date]
|-
| Final documentation || Compile report and present results || [Date]
|}
|}


== 7. Project Team and Roles ==
== 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 ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! Role !! Name !! Responsibilities
! Role !! Name !! Responsibilities
|-
| Project Sponsor || Professor || Provides funding, ultimate decision authority
|-
|-
| Project Manager || Jande Lopez|| Overall coordination, timeline management
| Project Manager || Jande Lopez|| Overall coordination, timeline management
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|-
|-
| Tester / Documenter || Mark Fernandez, Gianlucca Pirovano, Elio Jose Mendez Brancho, and Jande Lopez || Prototype testing, results documentation
| Tester / Documenter || Mark Fernandez, Gianlucca Pirovano, Elio Jose Mendez Brancho, and Jande Lopez || Prototype testing, results documentation
|-
| Users / Reviewers || Classmates || Recipient of functional prototype
|}
|}


== 8. Budget Estimate ==
 
== Project Milestones ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! Item !! Description !! Estimated Cost
! Milestones !! Description
|-
| 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
| Project initiation || Define concept, gather materials
|-
! colspan="2" | '''Total Estimated Cost''' || '''$90'''
|}
 
== 9. Risks and Mitigation ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! Risk !! Likelihood !! Impact !! Mitigation Strategy
|-
|-
| Fans produce insufficient thrust || Medium || High || Test multiple fan types, adjust angle, reduce car weight
| Chassis construction || Build car frame and mount fans
|-
|-
| Power supply inadequate || Medium || Medium || Use separate supplies for fans and Arduino
| Electronics setup || Connect fans, Arduino, and power system
|-
|-
| Overheating or overcurrent || Low || Medium || Use MOSFETs and fuses for protection
| Programming phase || Develop and test Arduino control code
|-
|-
| Arduino code instability || Medium || Medium || Incremental testing and debugging
| Testing phase || Conduct movement and control tests
|-
|-
| Mechanical imbalance || Medium || Medium || Balance fan mounts and ensure stable chassis
| Final documentation || Compile report and present results
|}
|}


== 10. Success Criteria ==
* The car moves forward under fan propulsion when powered and controlled by Arduino.
* The direction and/or speed can be adjusted using Arduino code or input controls.
* The system runs reliably for at least 5 minutes without overheating or malfunctioning.
* Documentation and code are complete and replicable.


== 11. Approval ==
== Approval Signatures, Project Manager and Business Owner ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! Name !! Title !! Signature !! Date
! Name !! Title !! Signature !! Date

Latest revision as of 06:59, 2 November 2025

Project Title[edit]

Aerodrive: Arduino Fan Car

Purpose[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

  • 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[edit]

  • 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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

  • 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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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