EXXON ENERGY

Solar vehicles are vehicles that derive their operating power directly from solar radiation. The vast majority of vehicles does this by means of photovoltaic solar, which means they are on the surface equipped with solar cells that convert solar energy into electricity on the vehicle. As electric cars, they often cause an energy storage device (typically batteries) with him in order to remain in low light conditions or cloud coverage, at least for a limited time to drive.

Electric vehicles that derive their energy exclusively from a stationary electric photovoltaic system and then recharge their energy stores are not counted as solar cars, even if the energy they invite won purely solar. These vehicles are electric vehicles in the network. For optimal sun exposure can provide the high performance solar cells in experimental vehicles up to 2.25 kW electric power (see car about 35-200 kW). Solar cars are test vehicles for fuel-efficient cars and lightweight.

The cockpit usually contains a single entry, although a few cars also have a second seat. They have some of the elements common to any car, such as brakes, accelerator, turn signals, rear mirrors (or camera), ventilation, and sometimes speed control. There is also a radio to communicate with the team. The solar cars are equipped with some indicators such as conventional cars. Aside from keeping the car on the road, the main task is to monitor the driver’s various indicators to circumvent potential problems. Drivers also have a safety harness and sometimes (depending on race) a helmet like race cars.

The electrical system is the most important automotive systems, because it controls all the power into and out of the whole. Batteries play the same role as the fuel tank in a normal car as energy storage for future use. Solar cars use different types of batteries, including lead, nickel-cadmium and lithium. Lead-acid batteries are cheaper and easier to operate, but the power / weight ratio is poor. Typically, solar cars use voltages between 84 and 170 V

The power electronics regulate the power of the car. The components of power electronics include the followers of peak power, motor control and data acquisition system. The followers of peak power control power comes from solar device to maximize and deliver it to the engine. They also protect the batteries from overcharging. The engine controller manages the electricity that powers the motor according to signals from the accelerator. Many solar cars have complex data acquisition systems that monitor the electrical system while even the most basic cars have systems that provide information about the voltage and current of the battery to the driver. One such system uses Controller Area Network (CAN).

Optimize the use of energy is of paramount importance in a solar car race. It is therefore very important to monitor the speed, power consumption, energy charged through the solar panel, among others. Some teams use telemetry that automatically monitors and records all information on the car in real time.

The strategy employed depends on the rules and conditions of the race. These races usually have an initial point of departure and arrival which must be reached in the shortest time possible. Since air resistance increases with speed, power also increases exponentially. Therefore, the best strategy is to travel at constant speed. Given the variety of conditions in the race and limited energy supply, computers use software that helps teams to know the rate at which the car should travel.

Photovoltaics is also used on boats. Thanks to its good efficiency over a wide range of electric-combustion engine which is technically superior energy. The drive power is usually in the range of several hundred watts to several kilowatts. Unlike electric-powered boats use solar boats direct solar radiation as an energy source. Usually serve as a buffer accumulators. Thus, theoretically, they – like a sail boat – a limitless range. Unlike sailing boats they are particularly well for driving on canals and rivers. A combination of chargers and power inverters can be useful. In this approach the boat at berth is connected to the network. The battery will charge until it is full, and then the energy of the solar generator is fed into the grid. Most so-equipped boats solar power more one than they consume. For larger distances on open waters or oceans but mostly as additional drives sailing, wind or diesel generators are necessary. The latter are useful in cold climates to heat simultaneously. For small boats instead of diesel generators have also proven muscle-actuators. Solar drives are not due to the low power density applications with consistently high performance requirements