Date of Defense
4-20-2021
Date of Graduation
5-2021
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
First Advisor
Janos Grantner
Second Advisor
Dugan Karnazes
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to develop an IOT connected micro mobility platform to be used in electric personal transportation devices such as scooters and longboards. This initial platform will be used as a starting off point for Velocity Research to continue with future development.
The first main requirement of the design is that it must be able to control two independent three phase brushless DC motors using field oriented control. These motors must be controlled based on input from the user via a handheld remote control. The second main requirement is that the device must also send and receive data over a cellular network and track its location via gps.
The motor control component of the project is accomplished by implementing a version of the VESC 6 open source motor controller design. The VESC (Vedder Electronic Speed Controller) is an extremely popular motor controller design when it comes to micro mobility. The firmware and software for this design are freely available online as well as the basic hardware schematic. A version of this design is incorporated into the overall project.
The IOT connectivity component of the project is accomplished using an NRF9160 GPS/Cellular connectivity module. This module handles the gps and cellular connectivity, while also acting as the main microcontroller to control the overall device. This module processes the commands from the handheld remote control and sends the commands to the two VESCs, allowing commands from the cellular network to influence the controls.
The budget for this project is just under $2000 which includes but is not limited to, purchasing development boards, PCBs, components, motors, and power supplies.
Recommended Citation
Gilbert, Austin, "Velocity Electric Mobility Platform" (2021). Honors Theses. 3445.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3445
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Defense Presentation
Comments
Co-authored with Aaron Sluiter.