AIChE Chem-E Car
Chem-E Car is an annual National AIChE competition where students work together to build a shoebox-sized car that is powered and stopped by a chemical process. The car must carry a load and move as close to a distance specified only hours before the competition. Schools compete against other schools first at a regional conference, and then at a national conference. The competition emphasizes innovation, creativity, safety, and teamwork.
2011 Car Design:
Car Design: Hydrogen gas is supplied from a metal hydride storage container to a PEM fuel cell. The fuel cell generates up to 20W of electricity at 6-12V from the electrochemical combination of Hydrogen and Oxygen gases to produce water. This electricity supply powers a small motor that rotates the car's wheels via a gear-driven mechanism.
Power source: The Chem-E-Car will be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
Stopping mechanism: The stopping mechanism is a potassium iodide clock reaction that can be controlled by altering the amount of hydrogen peroxide input into the system. The circuit interrupts power to the motor when the clock solution turns black and blocks the LED light from the photodiode receiver. This circuit receives power from auxiliary. Also, a switch is present to enable users to manually shut off all car components.
2011 Car Team:
Ryan Hill • Paige Kleinow • Ross Koepke • Ethan Maday • Jacob Menchak • Willy Paddock • Nick Schroeder • Dan Spencer • Trent Sturos • Amanda Taylor • Dillion Verhaeghe |
Specs
| Driving Mechanism: |
PEM Fuel Cell |
| Voltage: |
6-12 V |
| Power: |
20W |
| Stopping Mechanism: |
Iodide Clock Reaction w/ Photodiode |
| Awards |
• 2nd Overall at North Central Regional Student Conference
• Best Application of Safety at North Central Regional Student Conference |
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Questions? Contact Ross Koepke
