The Solar Car
batteries October 21st, 2009
A solar car is a vehicle, powered by electricity instead of fuel, which runs on solar energy obtained from the solar panels on its surface. The solar panels are commonly found on the roof of the vehicle.
This type of vehicle is not entirely practical as of this moment, for obvious reasons. It needs to harness the power of the sun in order to run. Without sunlight, it runs on the reserve power which is stored in its batteries.
Photovoltaic cells convert the sun’s energy into electricity, and this electricity runs the vehicle. That’s why solar cars are limited by the energy input from the sun, their main source of energy. This type of vehicle is typically manufactured for participation in solar car races.
Just like a typical race car, a solar race car has room only for the driver, although there are some designs that include room for a navigator. It does have several features similar to a normal car, such as an accelerator, a brake, rear view mirrors on the camera, and ventilation. It would also have a radio which would be used by the driver, so that he can communicate with his support crew.
The Electrical System
Probably the most important component of a solar car is its electrical system. The electrical system controls all the power that comes in and out of the car. It doesn’t have a gas tank, but its battery essentially functions as one. The battery stores energy produced by the PV cells. There’s a wide range of batteries to choose from. The most common are lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH), lithium polymer batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Most solar cars have gauges which monitor the entire electrical system. Among the things that one keeps an eye on, are the battery voltage, and the current.
The Design
The mechanical design of a solar car prioritizes on keeping friction and weight to a minimum, while maintaining sufficient strength so that it doesn’t disintegrate. These vehicles are usually made out of titanium or similar composites, which makes for a good strength-to-weight ratio.
Commercially Available Hybrids
Hybrid cars using solar power are commercially available, in limited quantities. The Toyota Prius is said to be able to generate up to 240 watts of electric power from its solar cells. That results in a 15 km drive, on a sunny day.
One practical application for the solar car would be to use its technology for golf carts, which are lightweight, are mainly used during the day, and are usually parked under the sun.
Our future will be bright when cars roam the streets using renewable energy such as solar power.
Anna
http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/the-solar-car-752273.html
October 21st, 2009 at 3:03 am
How is energy from solar panels converted to energy that can be used for solar power?
I want to do a science project where I create my own solar panels out of different materials to see which one will produce the greatest amount of energy. Is this a realistic topic if it has to be done before Thanksgiving? If so, how do I make the solar panels? How do I measure/convert the energy? Please help!
October 21st, 2009 at 8:05 am
You might be able to manage solar panels to warm water.
This would be used, for example, in a home to reduce energy needed by the hot water heater.
Other types of solar panels, such as those that make electricity, you would not be able to make at home.
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October 21st, 2009 at 8:07 am
you can macgyver extremely inefficient solar cells but it probably wont be worth it
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October 21st, 2009 at 8:09 am
Unless you know how to grow silicon crystals and slice them wafer thin in a controlled environment, you wont be making any solar cells.
You can make some of the make shift solar cells out of the deposite formed on copper when super heated. There are some tutorials online that explain how to do it,.
Your best bet would be to buy solar cells which are made from different processes and test them.
example
monocrystalline solar cell
polycrystalline cell
amorphous cell (not realy a cell, but a piece)
there are many other types of cells. Just contact someone and ask for a cell for school, they are about $2 a piece.
Then get a good multimeter from radio shack and do all of your testing on the same day.
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