Project Charter

Project Charter

1. Project Title

Aerodrive: Arduino Fan Car

2. 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

3. Project Objectives

• Design and construct a small-scale car chassis capable of supporting computer fans as propulsion units.
• 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

In Scope

• 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).
• Development of an Arduino-based control system for fan speed and steering.
• Power management using battery packs suitable for both the Arduino and fans.
• Testing and performance documentation.

Out of Scope

• Advanced aerodynamics or large-scale testing.
• Integration of sensors for autonomous navigation (unless added as future enhancement).
• Use of commercial motor drivers for DC motors (focus on fan-based propulsion only).

5. Deliverables

• 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

Milestone	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

7. Project Team and Roles

Role	Name	Responsibilities
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

8. Budget Estimate

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

9. Risks and Mitigation

Risk	Likelihood	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
Fans produce insufficient thrust	Medium	High	Test multiple fan types, adjust angle, reduce car weight
Power supply inadequate	Medium	Medium	Use separate supplies for fans and Arduino
Overheating or overcurrent	Low	Medium	Use MOSFETs and fuses for protection
Arduino code instability	Medium	Medium	Incremental testing and debugging
Mechanical imbalance	Medium	Medium	Balance fan mounts and ensure stable chassis

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

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