Solar race cars help develop technology design skills for university students and promote efficient and practical use of alternative energy. These race cars demonstrate that solar power is a durable and cheap energy source for the modern automobile.
- Solar race cars began competing in 1985 as an intellectual and practical exercise for design students, but advanced technology has prompted interest for race sponsorships from government and alternative energy companies.
- Today's solar race cars are powered by lithium batteries and can achieve a top speed of 75 mph with a 2-horsepower electric motor.
- Oregon State University's $50,000 Rain Dancer is a three-wheeled vehicle using a titanium frame and a fiberglass and carbon fiber body covered with 418 monocrystalline silicon cells to capture sunlight
Background
Speed
Rain Dancer
Rules
4. Solar equipment varies depending on the race rules, but some events require that solar cars must not exceed six square meters in total solar cell/reflector area and must meet specific battery technologies.
Structural Integrity
5. Solar race cars are required to be structurally sound with a suspension, steering and braking system reports filed with race organizers, according to the North American Solar Challenge.
Drag Races
6. Solar dragster differ from distance racing by using solar energy captured over a quarter-mile straightaway without the aid of batteries.
The final Curious © phrase:
“Restore human legs as a means of travel. Pedestrians rely on food for fuel and need no special parking facilities”
(Lewis Mumford)
