DESIGN HINTS

MODEL SOLAR CAR DESIGN GUIDE

  - Part A: General solar car design CONTENTS

• Introduction (“Roadmap to success”)


• 1 Wheels
  
  
  • 2 Drive train
  
  
  • 3 Solar panel
  
  
  • 4 Chassis
  
  
  • 5 Motor
  
  
  • 6 Weight
  
  
  • 7 Guiding
  
  
  • 8 Electronics
  
  
  • 9 Steering
  
  
  • 10 Stability
  
  
  • 11 Suspension
  
  
  • 12 Construction materials
  
  
  • 13 Body
  
  
  • 14 Track
  
  
  • 15 Construction (Build accuracy)
  
  
  • 16 Testing
  
  
  • 17 Aerodynamics
  
  
  • Appendix A Performance of motor and panel in combination Part B: Appendices
  
  
  • Appendix B Transmissions for solar cars
  
  
  • Appendix C Data on material properties
  
  
  • Appendix D Specifications of your car (checklist of design decisions)
  
  
  • Appendix E Car performance
  
  
  • Appendix F Photovoltaic cells and panel power testing
  
  
  • Appendix G Dynamometer testing
  
  
  • Appendix H Model Solar Car Mathematical Simulator (instructions)
  
  
  
  


• Appendix I Handling tips for Ball Bearings See EXCEL file for calculation section.


• Appendix J Faulhaber motors details & dynamometer test results


• Appendix K Photos of cars with air drag coefficient data


• Appendix L Car shape and aerodynamic drag


• Appendix N Solar Panel Maximum power voltage variations
  
  
  • Appendix M Aerodynamic lift
  
  
  
  


• Appendix O Biography of a winning car


• Appendix P Track Friction


• Appendix Q Solar Panel cell cracking


• Appendix R Buying guide