MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | PSEM | APRIL 2018
GREEN LETTER
No.04
MARKETING PSEM Last month, PSEM participated in several fairs where it publicized its project as well as its sponsors. The team exhibited both the GP17 and the GP14.EVO2 at the Aerospace Week (February 28 and March 1), SINFO (March 2), JEEC (March 7), Mecanist (March 15,16) and , finally, in Futurália (14,15,16,17 of March).
This marketing activity had as its main objective to approach the students of Instituto Superior Técnico, as well as future students of this institution and others interested in the construction of the vehicles. The prototypes were on display, to be able to diffuse the activity of this autonomous section of AEIST and the help provided by all the sponsors who have made an essential contribution to the team. Only in this way, the team is able to put our efforts into achieving the goals set out in the beginning of each season.
COORDINATOR’S REMARK The reformulation project of the transmission system has finally come to an end last month. N ever th e l e s s P S E M ’s te a m member will be facing some more challenges before finishing the whole project for the GP17EVO. At the aerodynamic level, there are studies being developed to create a better configuration for th e m o n o co q u e ’s f i b er carbon covers. Likewise, the e l e c tro n i c te a m i s g ett i n g through the development of a controll er that allows a more efficient mana gement of the battery’s energy during the races.
“PROJECTS LIKE THIS ARE INVALUABLE TO COMPANIES SUCH AS SIEMENS, HELPING US TO REACH TOMORROW’S TALENT” - JUERGEN MAIER
OUR SPONSORS ARPIAL and Soudal have been PSEM’s partners since our first
design phase of the next one. We will work to honour this commitment.
year of competition, so both deserve our sincere thanks for their support.
ARPIAL
SOUDAL Soudal has been a fundamental contribution throughout the different PSEM’s prototypes. ARPIAL’s contribution to the machining of parts for the GP17 and the different evolutions of the GP14 was essential for the success of the project. Th e co n t i n u a t i o n of th i s partnership will be of great value for this season, both regarding the improvement of the current prototype and the
As Europe’s leading manufacturer of sealants, PU foams and adhesives, Soudal NV h as supplied PSEM of these kinds of materials and other utilities, namel y cleaning sprays and lubricants. It is with great pleasure and responsibility that we continue this partnership.
WE THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | PSEM | APRIL 2018
MORE NEWS... THE NEW TRANSMITION OF THE GP17.EVO To improve the GP17, its transmission was modified. This will be achieved through a system of belt and pulleys rather than a system of gears like last year. The advantages of this system include being more efficient and quieter, as well as being easier to design various gear relationships. The drive shaft has now been split into two independent shafts. This facilitates assembly and eliminates the unnecessary constraints that existed due to the bearings. The latter have also been changed to rigid ball spherical roller bearings to ensure the correct alignment of the rear wheels. In addition, we plan to introduce a freewheel system to save energy when descending. At this moment, we are waiting to re ce i ve th e n e ce ssar y m a ter i a l to begin the construction of this components so that they can be tested.
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | PSEM | APRIL 2018
ADVANCES IN THE ELECTRONICS This month the section of the team dedicated to electronics made great progress in designing the new “brain” of the GP17.EVO. This component, the car’s controller, will be responsible for helping the pilot to perform better. To achieve this, it regulates the amount of current and voltage required from the batteries by the motor. This is especially true during the starting line where the controller is in charge, so that we can get a smooth start and no extra battery costs. Another function provided by the controlling system is the ability to send live data to our team in the boxes.
GETTING TO KNOW THE TEAM INTERVIEW
“ É UMA ÓTIMA EQUIPA QUE ADORA O QUE FAZ” the one that had “the most to do with her” and adds that she did not regret and loves the choice she made. During the first semester of the third year, she decided to enter PSEM because she thought there was “lack of a practical component” within her course and given the theme of sustainability, present in the work of the team on a constant basis.
FRANCISCA MESTRE In the segment of this month, we present Francisca Mestre, a third year student of Mechanical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico. Francisca is the pilot for the 2017/2018 season and for the 5 races PSEM is taking part of this year. Our pilot h as alwa ys liked Mathematics and PhysicalChemistry and, when deciding what course to take in the university, she chose what she thought was
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | PSEM | APRIL 2018
As for taking on the challenge of driving the GP17.EVO for this season, she faces it with the due responsibility and willingness. Francisca believes that the UK races will mirror the work done so far, believing that her duties during the race will have to be “up to the standards the team imposes.” With many colleagues and close friends of her in the team this year, she states that everyone works hard and with dedication in order to always do more and better inside and outside the PSEM. “We have a very passionate team which loves its work”, she says. Francisca also says that the changes that are being made to the prototype give her confidence that the team will go even further this season.
cor uto pintura e técnica automóvel
SERRALHARIA MECÂNICA DA TROFA