Bell Ringer Engineering Design Process

• When teams of engineers are trying to solve a problem, first they must define the problem.

• What other steps do you think they should take in order to reach their goal?

• Write your answers on a notecard.

The Problem• In 2012, President Obama announced DOE “Clean

Energy Grand Challenge” to US companies to be the first in the world to produce plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) by 2022.

• One of the most important technical challenges in the development of an electric vehicle, or EV, is the research and development of the power source.

• The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a “blueprint” for companies who join the challenge and targeted advanced battery development as one of the technical and performance goals.

THE CHALLENGE

Your team challenge is to…Work as Cell Design Engineers to research, develop, and design a prototype galvanic cell that is able to produce a high voltage of electricity.

Criteria & ConstraintsCRITERIA

• Must produce Voltage greater than .750 V.

CONSTRAINTS

• Must be completed within timeline given.

• Must use only materials provided.

THE CHALLENGE

Your team challenge is to…Work as Cell Design Engineers to research, develop, and design a prototype galvanic cell that is able to produce a high voltage of electricity.

RESEARCHAnswer Key

1. Why is a battery an example of energy transformation?Chemical energy is converted to electrical energy.

2. A galvanic cell consists of what materials?2 electrodes (metal) and an electrolyte (chemical solution).

3. How do the electrons flow in a galvanic cell?The electrons flow through a conductor from the positive electrode to the negative electrode.

4. How is the electric current measured?The electric current is measured in volts using a voltmeter or multi-meter.

Battery Fast Facts

• A battery is a package of one or more galvanic cells.• A Galvanic cell consists of two electrodes joined by

an electrolyte.• In a Galvanic cell one electrode is positive and one is

negative.• The electrolyte is usually an acid or salt.• A conductor is used to close the circuit so the

current can flow.

Energy TransformationChemical Energy Electrical Energy

Two electrodes + Chemical Solution =One galvanic cell

(Battery)

Electrolyte = solution

Multi-meter lead

Conductor

Electrical current

+ -

Criteria & ConstraintsCRITERIA

• Must produce Voltage greater than .750 V.

CONSTRAINTS

• Must be completed within timeline given.

• Must use only materials provided.

Bell Ringer

•What would you like to know more about that might help you improve your galvanic cell?

Criteria & ConstraintsCRITERIA

• Must produce Voltage greater than .750 V.

CONSTRAINTS

• Must be completed within timeline given.

• Must use only materials provided.