Design Process

Summary

NAU Motor Systems followed the list of design steps below to complete the motor controller design and prototype. First, the problem was given to NAU motor Systems by Electric Blue Motors to design a motor controller at low cost that can power large DC brushless motors used in electric cars. The motor controller must abide by all safety requirements and standards followed by Electric Blue Motors in their conversions of gasoline cars to electric. The team then did extensive research to fully understand the problem and how to solve it effectively. After two major designs were proposed the team and Electric Blue Motors decided to go with a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit design. After a full system design and schematic were created, the team began prototyping their design. The circuit is currently in construction and is 80% complete with the completed parts working as desired. The next step for the team is to test the motor controller on a vehicle for full functionality and performance. After the design has been proven to work it will be turned over to Electric Blue Motors for them to use in their car conversions.

Click on the links to the right to view a each design step in more detail.