(Editors Note: This article was written in the 2001-2002 school year. Though it provides insight to what the goals as the vehicle was being built.)
by Elizabeth
On the outside John Dietter and Jen Porter's newlyacquired farm on Middle Road looks like your average farm: lots ofspace and lively animals all around. Most onlookers don't know, however, that beyond the fields, the garage is filled with tools, electronic equipment, and on many afternoons, the mad hustle and bustle of students. NHCS's juniors and senior are working on the physics project that they picked up from last year's students. Their diligent work is focused on converting a 1986 VW van from being powered by an internal combustion engine to being powered by an electric motor and batteries.
The eleventh and twelfth grade students started work on this applied physics project in September. They first spent time getting familiar with the conversion and learning theoretical concepts in the classroom. Later, the hands-on work was added. Kids have split up into groups, leading different aspects of the project. Groups have looked to the community for expertise when they run into a problem or just need help. The wiring of the motor, batteries, and controller has been helped along by Phil DesLauriers. The design and welding of the battery boxes started last year with the help of Guy Hurd. This year's students have enthusiastically picked up on the process with Guy. Molly and Mina have been learning the skills of welding from him in the context of finishing the new battery boxes for the electric vehicle (E.V.). The help and interest from the community has been invaluable and greatly appreciated. Anyone who is interested in checking out the project or has questions is always welcome to call the school for times that we'll be at the farm working.
The class hopes (and plans) to have a safe, functional vehicle by the end of April. This date has been set to correspond with their participation in the Tour de Sol. The Tour de Sol is a week-long festival that showcases environmentally sensitive transportation alternatives. This year the tour travels fromWashington D.C. to New York City over the course of 5 days. NHCS students will be competing against other "green" vehicles (such as solar cars, hybrids, bio-diesel conversions and fuel cell vehicles) from around the nation. The acceptance process was very selective, with only 7 battery electric vehicles being chosen to participate...this makes it even more exciting that the NHCS students were picked to participate.
Happy Driving!