Solar Vehicles Part 2

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

• Wheels

•Suspension •Brakes •Steering

Mechanical System: Wheels Mechanical Systems Steering

z Custom-made

wheels with 4 or 5 spokes machined from single plates of aluminum.

z Designed

using a computer modelling program to ensure wheels can withstand expected stresses.

Wheels

Suspension and Brakes

Mechanical System: Wheels

z Designed

to fit high-efficiency tires that are are manufactured by Michelin specifically for solar car racing.

Mechanical Design: Wheels

Design of previous wheels

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Mechanical System: Suspension and Brakes Bicycle shock used in suspension Hydraulic bicycle brakes attached to suspension

Mechanical System: Steering “Tank style” lever arms one on each side of the driver

RACING –

z Strategy z American

Race z Australian Race

STRATEGY z We

z

z z z z

Radio Telemetry (speed, power levels etc.) Pre-race elevation survey Weather Forecasts Vehicle Simulation Scouting

RACE ROUTE SURVEY

800 600 ELEVATION

all about ENERGY MANAGEMENT. must balance the energy collected by the solar array with the energy used to drive the car. z Any extra power should be stored in the battery for use when needed later (e.g., late afternoon or under cloudy skies). z The basic ideal strategy involves driving at a constant speed all day long, lowering the battery state of charge each day, and finishing the race with an "empty" battery.

Race Strategy Tools

z It’s

400 200 0 -500

0

500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 ROUTE DISTANCE

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Satellite Image

Strategy: Picking an Optimal Speed

To travel 200 miles, we should go 42 mph. (We must travel the distance in 8 - 9 hrs.)

RACING: THE AMERICAN SOLAR CHALLENGE (ASC)

Possible Credit: American Solar Challenge

In Chicago just before the start of ASC 2003

Photo Credit: American Solar Challenge

ASC 2003 Competition

Photo Credit: American Solar Challenge Possible Photo Credits: American Solar Challenge

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Finish Line ASC 2003

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RACING: THE WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE (WSC)

World Solar Challenge 1990

Possible Credit: World Solar Challenge

WSC 2001 Competition

Speed and Stability Test

Possible Photo Credits: World Solar Challenge

WSC 2001

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WSC 2003

The Finish Line: WSC 2001

Photo Credit: World Solar Challenge

Recent Race Results and Awards:

Possible Photo Credit: National Geographic Magazine

z ASC 2003 Results: – 1st among 2-seater cars – 7th overall among 20 entries z ASC 2003 Awards: – Best Array Award – “To Boldly Go” Award for Innovation – Electrical Design Award – EDS Bronze Overall Design – Sportsmanship Award z WSC 2003 Result: 7th overall z WSC 2003 Hans Tholstrup Award

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Most Slides and Images courtesy of Dr. Stephen Harrison, Mr. Andrew Mason, The Queen’s Solar Vehicle Team, Stefano Paltera / American Solar Challenge, and World Solar Challenge

www.solarcar.queensu.ca solar car office: (613) 533-6682 [email protected]

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