491 Berkshire School Road, Sheffield, MA 01257
(413)229-8734
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Mt. Everett Regional School 491 Berkshire School Road, Sheffield, MA 01257 (413)229-8734 |
| Project | Vehicle Specifications | Vreeland Exhibit | Sponsors | Directions - Saratoga Spa State Park |
| Co-advisors: Paul O'Brien pobrien@tek2000.net Tom Vreeland tvreeland@taconic.net |
Mount Everett High School is proud to present Project e-³, the third solar powered vehicle undertaking in the past ten years. Project e- began in 1992 with the development of a standard 120vdc powered Chevrolet S-10, which competed in several years’ Tour De Sol competitions. The project e- vehicle underwent several changes, ending up as a propane powered hybrid vehicle , winning its category in 1995. Mount Everett returned to the Tour De Sol in 1999 with Project e-², the school’s second vehicle entry into the Tour De Sol, the first fuel cell registered vehicle in Massachusetts. This vehicle succeeded in placing first in the bike division. Project e-³ marks Mount Everett’s return to the Tour De Sol, complete with a new solar powered vehicle, team members, and a renewed dedication and enthusiasm. In addition this year the Mount Everett team is combining their efforts with the Vreeland Institute of Arts and Sciences. The Vreeland Institute has constructed a mobile alternative energy-educational exhibit. The exhibit consist of solar powered displays, fuel cell, wind turbine, wireless Internet access, web cameras and a whole range of student centered alternative energy exhibits, an excellent opportunity to help our children understand the importance of alternative energy. Project e-3 will be able to hook up to the Vreeland Institute Mobile trailer to more fully charge its battery pack.
The Tour De Sol is a two part competition, one day measuring the distance the vehicle can travel on a single charge, the other being a show day to present the vehicle and information the team has learned. While the vehicle itself involves expansive labor and research, the goal of Project e-³ is geared towards education into the field of electrical engineering and the development of teamwork. Our team has received a donated GEM E825 vehicle. The Project e-³ team has researched the vehicle specifications and developed plans to outfit the vehicle with multiple solar panels that will charge the six deep cycle batteries while the vehicle is either mobile or stationary. In addition, the back bed of the vehicle is going to be equipped with a custom audio system, completely self sustained from the rest of the vehicle, solar sound rocks!
Through the continued support of our sponsors and community, Project e-³ will compete in the Tour De Sol in Saratoga Springs, NY on May 12th and 13th. Project e-³ would like to thank the team members, their families, and all who donated to the development of the vehicle.
Make: 10ft x 5ft Cargo Mate Trailer
Year: 2006
Power sources: 4 --100watt Kyocera Solar panels, 1- 400 watt wind turbine, 900 watts total
Storage: 8 lead acid deep cycle 12vdc batteries
Internal connections: Full 12vdc power access inside the trailer for all Communication devices; 2500 watt inverter for AC power
Communications: Wireless Internet access; Web camera posting to the Web; Full weather station
Other: Four external hands on educational displays focusing on alternative energy; Laptop computers;Solar soda; Solar popcorn
Petes Auto Plaza-Great Barrington Ma.
Salisbury Bank and Trust Company-Sheffield Ma
Sheffield Plastics Inc- a Bayer Material Science Company
Richard Stanley-Great Barrington Ma
Rick Mielke Enterprises-Monterey Ma
CompuWorks-Pittsfield Ma
Nationalgrid
Paul W. O'Brien
Technology Coordinator
Southern Berkshire Regional School District
Sheffield, Ma. 01257
