Designing, Building of Solar Race Car for the World Solar Challenge (Phase I)

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to design and build a solar race car for the world solar challenge. Three main goals were targeted for the competition: lightweight, aerodynamics, and efficiency. The renewable energy is becoming an alternative source for the fossil fuel. Solar energy in particular is abundant all year round within the Kingdome of Saudi Arabia. It is vital for the whole community to utilize this free energy into many areas such as power generation and building of solar cars. As many studies pointed out that the consumption of oil within the Kingdome is an alarming four million barrel per day. Most of it goes to generate electricity and gasoline for the cars. The car speed initially was tested at 70 km/hr and is expected to double for the world solar challenge race. The traveling distance covered will be about 3000 km. The body and chassis of the car were manufactured from fiber glass and aerospace aluminum material. Moreover, a system AC motors were designed, manufactured and assembled accompanied by gearbox, steering, axle, bearings, suspension system. Semi flexible solar panels were installed with power trackers and instrumentation. One driver was accommodated with a car net weight of 300 Kg.