Solar Car Design

By Kelly Hering and Chris Culin ENGN 0040: Dynamics and Vibrations May 10, 2011

Objective:
design a vehicle to be powered by solar panels that can move up a ramp of various inclines calculate an ideal transmission ratio generate maximum power created using supplies provided reduce friction

Important Design Factors:

optimize wheel radii for specific incline minimize weight of vehicle choose ideal location for solar panels to receive maximum light and current determine optimal gear ratio for the transmission minimize friction reduce wheel slipping

Design Specifications:
Wheel radii 12.5-15 incline: 4.85 cm 7.5-10: 5.7 cm 2.5-5 incline: 6.75 cm front: 3.25 cm Car weight with panels: 350 g Gear ratio: 1:1/1,024 Panel distance from lights: 4.5" Chassis Length: 19 cm Width: 7 cm Materials used: foam board, perforated aluminum sheet, motor and gear box, threaded rod, nuts, bolts, wire, screws, velcro, collars, star washers, solar panels, rubber O rings

Design Calculations:
use solar panel equation to find I and V, as well as constants I0 and n. relate I and V to angular velocity using constants R and beta. relate I and V also to torque using given equations and motor data. find power using the relationship p=Tw graph power vs. omega to find maximum power for a given omega (.413 watts, ~1060 rad/s) assume operation at a higher angular velocity to account for loss in efficiency find velocity of vehicle using relationship p=m g v sin(theta) relate velocity of vehicle to angular velocity of motor using gear ratio 1: 1/4^5 approximate trend in wheel radius using this ratio

Conclusion:
We have built a vehicle successfully capable of climbing various inclines at relatively high speeds. 3 sec. to climb 15 incline Reduced friction and weight Idealized gear/wheel ratio Can easily attach and remove panels Simple construction