SOLAR POWERED ELECTRIC CAR

Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to design and fabricate a solar-powered electric vehicle. The objective of the project thus far was to produce a detailed first iteration design with planning materials. The vehicle is to adhere to the engineering guidelines stated for the Shell Eco-Marathon Urban Division competition. The competition does not require the use of a solar module, but this project will incorporate the use of solar energy to charge the vehicle battery.
This competition is based on efficiency; therefore, energy efficiency will be of higher priority. Other major constraints on the project were time and budget. To accomplish this goal, subsystems such as the frame, drivetrain, power, suspension, and steering were designed individually and integrated into a master assembly model.
SolidWorks, a computer-aided design (CAD) software, was used for design and modeling, as well as finite element analysis (FEA). Secondary support software such as Excel, VSusp, and solar analyzing software were used to assist in the planning of the various subsystems, as well as data collection and assortment.
Subsystems that were modeled and analyzed through quantitative methods were purchased and fabricated. Subsystems that did not complete the design and analysis phase were not constructed. Further analysis is required to move these subsystems forward.
In the future, optimization and new subsystem configurations should be prioritized. This project concluded with the first iteration of what will someday be a Shell Eco-Marathon competition vehicle.