Electric Longboard

Team: Joseph Cardon Blankenship

Project

  • Build an electric longboard from the ground up.
  • Create a custom torque control feedback loop for smooth acceleration and braking.
  • Integrate a wireless remote to control acceleration and braking.
  • Achieve a top speed suitable for commuting (roughly 15 mph).
  • Design and implement all electronics and software without using commercial ESCs or VESCs.
  • Ensure safe and reliable power delivery using a custom battery and driver board setup.
Prototype

System

System diagram

Methods

  • Planned hardware and developed system requirements.
  • Acquired all hardware for the project.
  • Assembled Microcontroller, remote receiver, driver board, brushless motor, 2 LiPo battery packs, Longboard, and gearing.
  • Programmed the STM32 microcontroller in C which included:
    • Translate remote PWM signals into throttle commands.
    • A torque control feedback loop was designed to ensure the motor followed the desired torque command smoothly and accurately.
    • Implemented current control to avoid damaging the motor.
    • Implemented control of the gate driver on the driver board to open and close the 6 MOSFETs for proper motor control.
  • Tested the finished board to verify that it met all system requirements.

Conclusion

  • The system successfully controlled the motor using custom torque feedback and current control, meeting the original goal of smooth and safe acceleration and braking.
  • The microcontroller, driver board, and power system functioned reliably under load.
  • The project highlighted the importance of precision in embedded programming and power electronics design.
  • Further improvements could include implementing regenerative braking which would make heat dissipation in the power resistor more efficient.
  • In the future, I’d like to refine the controller for higher speeds, add more safety features, and explore adding another motor for improved acceleration.