Goals and Challenges​​​​

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Goal #1: Rebuild a High-Performance Controls System

• Design and develop a robust and reliable controls system to manage the boat's propulsion and energy management. This system will ensure precise handling and optimized power usage during each event, contributing to maximum speed, efficiency, and maneuverability.​

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Goal #2: ​Develop an Advanced Mechanical Dry Test System

• Create a mechanical testing rig that accurately replicates aquatic conditions on land. This system will allow us to rigorously test and fine-tune the boat’s controls, propulsion, and stability without needing a water environment, ensuring the design performs at peak levels during sprint, endurance, and slalom events.

 

Goal #3: Achieve Seamless Integration of All Subsystems

• ​Our final objective is to integrate the controls, mechanical, and electrical subsystems into a fully cohesive unit. This integration will ensure smooth communication between components, allowing the boat to function flawlessly as a single, efficient system that meets all competition requirements.

 

Challenge #1: ​Ensuring Compatibility Between Subsystems

• One of the key challenges will be achieving smooth integration between the electrical, mechanical, and data acquisition systems. Each subsystem needs to work in perfect harmony, and any incompatibilities could lead to performance issues or system failure during critical tests and competition events.

 

Challenge #2: Simulating Realistic Aquatic Conditions on Land

• ​Developing a mechanical dry test system that accurately replicates the complex dynamics of an aquatic environment will be a significant technical challenge. Factors such as water resistance, buoyancy, and wave motion are difficult to simulate on land, requiring creative engineering solutions to validate the boat’s real-world performance.

 

Challenge #3: Optimizing Performance for Multiple Events

• ​Balancing the boat’s performance across all three events—sprint, endurance, and slalom—presents a unique challenge. Each event demands different performance characteristics, and tuning the control and propulsion systems to excel in all areas without compromising overall efficiency will require extensive testing, adjustments, and fine-tuning.

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