(While the graph above depicts Torque vs RPM and within this article I talk about power,
you probably think I am crazy, but Torque x RPM = Power To calculate power in Watts
using Torque of mNm the actual power in Watts = Torque x RPM x 0.0001042)
When the graphs are carefully examined the torque at the lower voltage setting tends to
be fractionally lower than the other. There is very little in it and the voltage difference is
not just a small amount it is a massive 1.6 Volts. Importantly the variations are at a
minimum over the RPM range of between 3000 and 13000 RPM which is the general
operating range during a race.
Remember the power difference for a small voltage variation will be greater at higher and
lower sun levels. It will also be influenced by panel temperature variations, as the panel
heats the maximum power voltage point drops markedly.
I assume that no competitors will leave their panel out in the sun baking, in fact most
actively cool their panels and during a race which lasts only about 20 seconds, the panel
only heats up a few degrees. Consequently under these conditions temperature variations
can be ignored. (Can they really.)
Even if we cannot ignore panel heating during a race there is not much we can do about
it, put a solar panel out in the Sun and it is bound to heat up.
To convince you that panel heating during the course of a race is not critical, consider the
following results obtained from testing.