DESIGN HINTS

torque by shaft speed (RPM). For a car the power required to drive it can be calculated by multiplying the drive force applied t ...

With 10 watts available in the form of 10 amps at 1 volt, the motor at stall will only take 1.25 amps at 1 volt which is only 1. ...

Solar Panel voltage, current and ability to easily reconfigure them, compatibility with motor Motor characteristics required. V ...

GRAPH 4 Motor power vs RPM at 82% Sun equivalent ...

GRAPH 5 Motor power vs RPM 18% Sun equivalent Examination of these graphs shows the narrow RPM band we must work within to stay ...

to voltage setting to use it is safer to set slightly on the low side. This is based on the fact that as your panel heats up the ...

maximum available and varies significantly with changes in sun level, motor speed and load. The DC to DC down convertor means th ...

Ten gm extra force was required to keep the car moving around the corner (same radius as the Victorian track) compared to along ...

On a smooth track such as the New South Wales track I doubt that suspension would make any difference except to add weight and c ...

approximate length of full straight section). Mismatch of the guide rail of 1mm horizontally and 3mm vertically would be the max ...

Remember testing has two main aims. One is to determine the settings that result in transfer of maximum energy from the panel to ...

As part of testing do a trial scrutinering of your car to ensure it meets the regulations. Check all the items listed in the CUR ...

forces will generally be below 50 gm. Not significant and counter productive in my opinion. See Appendix M for calculations and ...

Assume a high resistance electrical load on the panel, the current drawn will be low (Ohms law applies V = R x I ). If the load ...

As the motor begins to rotate it generates a back EMF (voltage). The faster it spins, the higher the back EMF becomes (this can ...

drop causing the available power to drop. The car will then slow down or stop depending on the magnitude of load increase or lig ...

APPENDIX B: TRANSMISSIONS FOR SOLAR CARS The following is a simplified resume of transmissions typically used in model solar car ...

GEARS: Gears too are extensively used in industry, automobiles and domestic applications. Efficiencies can be similar to belts, ...

APPENDIX C: DATA ON MATERIAL PROPERTIES NOTE: The data shown below is typical for the material but should be used as a guide onl ...

APPENDIX D: SPECIFICATIONS OF YOUR CAR Following are some questions / points you need to consider when designing your car. PURP ...