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projects over the years

HYDROGEN FUEL CELL - "LIGHTNING MACQUEEN"

Hydrogen gas is made via an exothermic reaction between aluminum and water. Aluminum's crystal structure is first broken down with gallium before it is reacted with water. The hydrogen gas produced from the reaction is then fed into a PEM hydrogen fuel cell, which is used to power the DC motors that turn the wheels.
 
To stop the car, the temperature increase from an exothermic reaction between calcium oxide and water is measured. When a specified change in temperature is reached, the temperature sensor will relay a signal to a circuit board to disconnect the connection between the fuel cell and motor allowing for the car to come to a stop. 

 

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Achievements

2023 North Central Regionals
  • 3rd place - qualified for Nationals
  • "3rd Place Poster Competition" award for Lighting MACqueen.
2017 North Central Regionals
  • 1st/11
  • "Most Creative Poster/Car" award for Camaro.
  • "1st Place Poster Competition" award for Mac Minion.
2016 North Central Regionals
  • 13th/17
  • "Most Creative Poster/Car" award for Camaro.
  • "2nd Place Poster Competition" award for Camaro.
2014 North Central Regionals
  • 7th/11
  • "Most Creative Drive System" award for Hippo Bus.
  • "2nd Place Poster Competition" award for Hippo Bus.
2013 North-Central Regional Compeition
  • 7th/16
  • "Most Creative Drive System" award for Steamliner.​
2011 North-Central Regional Competition

  • 6th/13​

 

Projects Before the reboot

​HYDROGEN FUEL CELL - "HIPPO BUS"

Hydrogen gas is made via an exothermic reaction between magnesium turnings and 6M hydrochloric acid. Hydrogen is passed through a desiccant chamber, containing rice, activated carbon, and salt, where impurities are removed. The gas is then fed into a PEM hydrogen fuel cell where it is used to make electricity to power a gear-box motor.
 
To stop the  car, a hydrogel is used to block an LED that is shining on a light sensor. When no light is detected, the sensor will relay a signal to a circuit board to disconnect the connection between the fuel cell and motor, which causes the car to stop. Hydrogel is formed by reacting sodium polyacrylate and water.

 

​CO2 CAR - "STREAMLINER"

The propulsion system of this car involves powering a steam engine with CO2 gas. CO2 is made from the reaction of 6M HCl and NaHCO3. The steam engine is connected to the front axle using an O-ring.

 

​HYDROGEN FUEL CELL - "ALF"

A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell consumes hydrogen to produce electricity for this car. The hydrogen gas is produced by reacting aluminum with 6M sodium hydroxide. This hydrogen is then passed through a chamber of water and a desiccating carbon and salt chamber to remove impurities and dry the hydrogen.

 

​BIODIESEL CAR 

The propulsion system of this car involves powering a model airplane engine using biodiesel synthesized from olive oil. A dynamo linked to the engine through a belt/gear system will produce electricity for the motor attached to the wheels of the car.

 

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