Physics Investigatory Project: Solar Cars

PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT
SOLAR CARS
Priyansh Shukla | XII - A |04-11-2016

OBJECTIVE
In this project, the objective is to study the mechanism and working of
a solar car and to explore the application of renewable energy in
building model cars.
THEORY
Introduction
A solar car is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained
from solar panels on the surface of the vehicle.
Solar cars combine technology typically used in the aerospace, bicycle,

alternative energy and automotive industries. The design of a solar
vehicle is severely limited by the amount of energy input into the car.
Solar cars depend on a solar array that uses photovoltaic cells (PV
cells). The Solar Electric Vehicle system was designed and engineered
as an easy to install (2 to 3 hours) integrated accessory system with a
custom moulded low profile solar module, supplemental battery pack
and a proven charge controlling system.
As an alternative, a battery-powered electric vehicle may use a solar

array to recharge; the array may be connected to the general electrical
distribution grid.
PAGE 1
Difference between Conventional Vehicle and Solar Vehicle
a Solar vehicle operates in a significantly different fashion from a
regular vehicle. Regular cars use the internal combustion engine.
These engines, until very recently, used gasoline or diesel fuel made
from petroleum, a fossil fuel. The engine works by literally burning the
fuel, which creates heat and causes expansion of gases, directly causing
movement of pistons in the engine.
A perfect combustion reaction would leave only carbon dioxide and

water. However, perfect combustion is impossible, so these engines
also emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate pollution--
all of which contribute to air pollution.
Solar cars depend on PV cells to convert sunlight into electricity to

drive electric motors. Unlike solar thermal energy which converts solar
energy to heat, PV cells directly convert sunlight into electricity.
PAGE 2
Solar Car Schematics
PAGE 3
Components of a Solar Car
SolarArray
The solar array consists of hundreds of photovoltaic solar cells
converting light into electricity. The solar array is the vehicle’s only
source of power. The power from the array is used either to power the
electric motor or stored in the battery pack for later use.
PowerTrackers
Power trackers condition the electricity coming from the solar array to
maximize the power and deliver it either to the batteries for storage or
to the motor controller for propulsion. When the solar array is
charging the batteries, the power trackers help to protect the batteries
from being damaged by overcharging. Power trackers can be very
lightweight and commonly reach efficiencies above 95%.
PAGE 4
Electric Motor
an electric motor is the basic and the most important part of a solar
car. It should work with optimal power and the efficiency should be
high. An electric motor is a device using electrical energy to produce
mechanical energy, nearly always by the interaction of magnetic fields
and current-carrying conductors.
Speed Controller
The purpose of a motor speed controller is to take a signal
representing the demanded speed, and to drive a motor at that speed.
Chassis
The primary challenge in developing an effective solar car chassis is to
maximize the strength and safety, but minimize the weight. However,
safety is a primary concern and the chassis must meet stringent
strength and safety requirements.
PAGE 5
Battery
Battery is the main power supply of a vehicle , a battery is a device that
stores chemical energy and makes it available in an electrical form.
Wheel
Span tyres are used as it is light and has low traction with the road.
The light tyre does not require greater force to move faster.
PAGE 6
Advantages
Eco-friendly
One of the most significant benefits of a solar powered vehicle is that it
is highly nature-friendly. Solar powered automobiles produce a
negligible amount of greenhouse gasses that are responsible for the
depletion of the protective ozone layer.
Renewable and Infinite Source of Energy

The sun is one of the biggest renewable sources of energy and running
solar powered vehicles does not require any natural resources that are
on the verge of extinction.
Gasoline Independence
A solar based car is gasoline independent. A traditional car adds to the
all ready high air pollution levels, whereas, a solar powered car does
not produce any harmful emissions.
Solar Cars are Noiseless

A solar powered car is exceptionally quiet and runs noiselessly,
thereby, cutting the noise pollution that comes complimentary with
fuel-driven cars.
Longer Life Span

A solar car can easily last decades without any expensive regular
upkeep.
Low Maintenance
The solar vehicles are specially designed to be low maintenance and
can be easily maintained to last years with general cleaning of the solar
panels.
PAGE 7
Applications
This concept can be utilized to build a single sitter four wheel vehicles
in practice. It can be extended to more commercial form of four
wheeler vehicle. In industry where small vehicles are used to perform
light weight conveys work from one place to other place. It can be used
in places where , fuel based vehicles are banned due to production of
pollution and noise In space exploration vehicles where conventional
source of energy cannot be used.
Bibliography
− www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_car
− auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency
− www.solarpoweredcar.org
− www.miniscience.com/kits/SOLAR
− www.tafesa.edu.au/solarcar_works
PAGE 8

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PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY

Priyansh Shukla | XII - A |04-11-2016

Solar cars combine technology typically used in the aerospace, bicycle,

As an alternative, a battery-powered electric vehicle may use a solar

A perfect combustion reaction would leave only carbon dioxide and

Solar cars depend on PV cells to convert sunlight into electricity to

Renewable and Infinite Source of Energy

Solar Cars are Noiseless

Longer Life Span

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