SOLAR CAR

Senior Project

by

Tia Paul Maatouk, 51931101

Ahmad Fadi Kassem, 51930425

Submitted to the School of Engineering of the

Lebanese International University

Beirut, Lebanon

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Spring 2021 - 2022

Approved By

DR. Ibrahim Sidawi

Supervisor Date Signature

DR. Mohamad Al Hijazi

Committee Member Date Signature

 DEDICATION

This project is dedicated to my country Lebanon, and the new Lebanese

generation. whenever they find in you, problems, we will be the solution. Foremost, we

must express our gratitude to our families for their moral support, as well as to our

beloved Dr. Ibrahim Sidawi for his direction in achieving our major goal. A Finally, a

special thanks for our Lebanese International University (LIU), that was main to reach

this point due to its knowledge.

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project took too much work to be done as well as we can. All of our

accomplishments would not have been possible without the patient, inspirational Dr.

Ibrahim Sidawi, who mentored us throughout the project and believed in our

capabilities and helped us to reach our goals in addition to the acknowledgement the

contribution of Dr Mohamad Al Hijazi. It also worth mentioning that we studied and

modified our project using a variety of sources.

iii
 ABSTRACT

The main objective of this project is to presents a theoretical design of a solar

car powered by a photovoltaic system. As Lebanese students overcoming the severe

economic crisis in Lebanon, thinking of a system that allows to transport with a clean

and cheaper energy sources. This car of 144.60 kg is able to carry two persons and be

driven by a DC motor powered by solar panels and batteries. (Appendix table 2) 5

panels are enough to recharge the batteries in 79hours (which is the first downside of

solar cars). These powered batteries are enough to run the car for at least 3 hours with

an average speed of 40 km/h and top speed of 60 km/h. The range that can run without

sunlight 35 km. Unlike internal combustion engines this solar car gets its battery

recharged during traffic. In the first stage of designing the solar car, we focused on its

direct current electric motor, where the mechanical components are light in weight and

use vital to save energy. In order to achieve it, a literature review was performed and

helped in setting up the project specifications.

iv
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION............................................................................................................ II

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................... III

ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................... IV

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...........................................................................................V

LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................... VIII

LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................... IX

LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................X

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................1

1.1. Introduction .......................................................................................................1

1.2. Problem statement .............................................................................................2

1.3. methodolgy and objectives ...............................................................................2

1.4. outline ...............................................................................................................3

CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW ...................................................................5

2.1. Introduction .......................................................................................................5

2.2. Solar vehicle......................................................................................................6

2.3. advantages and disadvantages...........................................................................7

2.3.1. Advantages ...............................................................................................7

2.3.2. Disadvantages ..........................................................................................8

2.4. What Was the First Long-Distance Solar-Powered Car? .................................8

CHAPTER 3. PROJECT SPECIFICATION..........................................................10

3.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................10

3.2. Components ....................................................................................................11

3.2.1. Solar Arrays ...........................................................................................11

v
 3.2.2. Power Trackers ......................................................................................11

3.2.3. Battery ....................................................................................................12

3.2.4. Motor and Controller .............................................................................12

3.2.5. Inverter ...................................................................................................12

3.2.6. Generator................................................................................................12

3.3. Design Calculation ..........................................................................................13

3.3.1. Calculation of electrical vehicle motor specification.............................14

3.3.2. Calculation for Peak Torque required to move the Vehicle. .................15

3.3.3. Continuous Power required, Continuous Speed and Continuous Torque

required. ...............................................................................................15

3.3.4. Battery capacity: ....................................................................................17

3.3.5. Panel Wattage ........................................................................................19

3.5. Conclusion ......................................................................................................20

CHAPTER 4. DESIGN..............................................................................................22

4.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................22

4.2. materials selection ...........................................................................................22

4.3. Main components ............................................................................................23

4.3.1. Wheels...................................................................................................23

4.3.2. Solar Panels ............................................................................................24

4.4. Conclusion ......................................................................................................24

CHAPTER 5. NON-TECHNICAL ASPECTS........................................................25

5.1. Introduction .....................................................................................................25

5.2. Economical/financial ......................................................................................25

5.3. Project management ........................................................................................26

vi
 5.4. Environmental and sustainability....................................................................27

CHAPTER 6. RESULTS ...........................................................................................28

6.1. Results and conclusion ....................................................................................28

CHAPTER 7. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................29

APPENDIX A. DETAILS .........................................................................................30

A.1. Historical Events and dates, in support of chapter 2 ......................................30

REFERENCES...........................................................................................................32

vii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1: BREMEN Solar Power Wooden Pulley Car Toy Project Science [2] ......2

Figure 1-2: The solar powering system of the car [4] ..................................................3

Figure 2-1: System of solar car [6] ..............................................................................6

Figure 3-1: Cars use solar energy to move [14] ..........................................................10

Figure 3-3-2: -The energy obtained is used to move the wheels .................................21

Figure 4-1- Final assembly ..........................................................................................22

Figure 4-2: LONGI Solar Technology Datasheet [19] ...............................................23

Figure 4-3:Wheels used for the solar car .....................................................................23

Figure 4-4: A sample of a solar panel ..........................................................................24

viii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1: Parameters used for calculation .................................................................17

Table 3.2:Assumptions of efficiency battery capacity calculations.............................18

Table 5.0.1: Quantity and Prices of the main material used in the design. ..................26

ix
 LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Symbol Abbreviation Unit

W Weight N
Vmax Maximum voltage (V)
µR Coefficient of rolling 0.01
resistance,
Cd Coefficient of drag 0.35
ACROSS Frontal area m²
ρ Mass density of air, 1.2 kg/m³
V The vehicle’s speed. m/s

m The mass of the car Kg

a the acceleration m/s²

v linear velocity (m/s) (m/s)

r radius of wheels (m)

ω angular velocity (rad/s)

f frequency (Hz)

τ Peak Torque (N-m)

Cb battery Capacity (AH)

g Gravitational m/s²

Acceleration

s Slope %

EBO Battery output energy (kWh)

required

EMO Motor energy needed (kWh)

x
EBI Battery input energy (kWh)

required

DoD Depth of discharge %

Est Energy Stored Battery (KWh)

Ppane Power of panel (Watt)

Vb Total battery voltage (V)

ηM Motor efficiency -

ηBDC Battery discharging -

efficiency

ηBC Battery charging -

efficiency

ηCC charge controller -

efficiency

EPO the total energy KWh

required from the

output of solar panels

PW the minimum required KWh

panel wattage

xi
 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. INTRODUCTION

Currently, one of the greatest engineering issues to solve and work on is the

need for clean energy sources. Much of the world is highly dependent on natural gases

and coal to produce electricity. Although this power source is abundant, it is shown to

assist in global warming.

One source of energy being heavily studied is solar energy. Solar energy, a

sustainable and renewable form of energy, is used nowadays to produce electricity from

the sun. Thus, this source of energy has been spread out in many countries including

Lebanon. Due to the high expenses of producing energy by fuel, which also increase

pollution by releasing toxic gas (Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides,

particulate matter, and unburned hydrocarbons), solar panels are becoming the

alternative. According to the EPA (The Environmental Protection Agency) [1]

transportation accounted for 26% of the Greenhouse Gas emissions in the year 2014.

They found multiple uses for the solar system which they benefit from it to

generate power. One of this use is the solar car, so this project has been chosen as a

senior project. For this project, the concept of a solar vehicle will be designed and

assembled. Vehicles have already been modified to run on alternative sources for fuel,

so for this project, an urbanized solar car will be designed under specifications.

1
Figure 1-1: BREMEN Solar Power Wooden Pulley Car Toy Project Science [2]

1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENT

Due to the recent crises, the cost of fuel has increased worldwide to reach 1.40

U. S Dollars per liter [3] which led to expansive power bills. Transportation has become

a major problem in Lebanese citizen’s life where people are cautious about the use of

their cars. Several solutions are posed, one of them is the solar car, this project is

focused on designing an electrical car that work on regenerating power using solar

energy system. If this invention become commercially viable, the demand of fuel will

decrease ultimately.

1.3. METHODOLGY AND OBJECTIVES

Several goals have been set, that would ensure a proper implementation of the

project accurately and professionally. First to design and assemble a fully functioning

2
vehicle powered by solar energy, based on developing a complete set of plans. Design

solar car’s concept, and purchasing critical components within our budgetary

constraints. Ultimately, the project aimed at operating this car by using solar energy as

an alternative source, and for reducing on rather elimination of the dependency on fuel

and consequently reducing pollution.

Figure 1-2: The solar powering system of the car [4]

1.4. OUTLINE

This project contains several chapters; chapter one consists of introducing,

in general, the solar car technology, main objectives and the problem statement.

Chapter two includes the literature review which summarizes the key points of

works done by previous authors and researchers related to the topic of this project.

Equations and calculations needed are included in chapter three, which summarizes

the project specifications and parametric analysis. In chapter four, the design is

achieved using SOLIDWORKS. chapter five which includes the non-technical

3
aspect of the project especially when dealing with organization and management,

economic and financial aspects and finally the social and environmental impacts.

Chapter six presents the results of the calculation part and the simulation developed

in chapters three and four and presents a general conclusion of the study; in addition

to identifying perspectives and potential works in the future.

4
 CHAPTER 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter highlights the history of solar vehicles, how engineering is used

to enhance the design, and how it benefits society and environments.

2.1. INTRODUCTION

The last century, has seen the development of many exciting engineering

materials, among of which, fiber-reinforced plastic composites, the engineers found

outer space, military, and recently, solar car applications alike. In 1955, General Motors

employee William G. Cobb constructed the first solar car prototype called the “Sun

mobile”. It was a 15-inch solar-powered automobile model that was comprised of 12

selenium photovoltaic cells, a balsa wood body, and a tiny electric motor. [5] in 1976,

Alan Freeman developed the first legally drivable solar powered car. Made of

aerodynamically shaped fiberglass, the three-wheeled vehicle is powered by sunlight

and pedals. By 1981, road tax on electric cars in the UK had dropped to zero, so

Freeman insured and registered his invention. Unfortunately, the UK's unreliable

sunlight makes those vehicles inefficient overall, but they pave the way for future solar

car innovations.

5
2.2. SOLAR VEHICLE

Figure 2-1: System of solar car [6]

Solar cars are electric vehicles that use photovoltaic cells to convert solar

energy into electricity. These cars can store some of the solar energy in their batteries

so they can drive smoothly at night or without direct sunlight. Large-scale use of solar-

powered cars not only reducing nature pollution, but also helps reduce noise pollution.

These cars are composed of fibers embedded in a plastic material; these composites can

be formed from an array of constituent materials. [7]

Solar panels mounted on the top or exterior of these eco-friendly automobiles

assist in capturing sunlight. Numerous Photovoltaic Cells (PVC), effectively convert

solar radiation into electricity, make up the basic solar panel. [8]

The most frequent materials utilized in the production of PVC are silicon and

alloys of Nitrogen, Gallium, and Indium; All these materials have the ability to absorb

light and then release it as swiftly moving electrons that aid in the production of energy.

6
Green car's batteries, constructed of unique substances like Lithium-ion, Nickel-

Cadmium, and Nickel-metal hydride, then store this energy.

The battery in these green automobiles provides energy to power the electric

motor, which in turn propels the vehicle forward. A solar automobile can typically run

in the voltage range of 400V to 800V [9]

2.3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

As everything exist on this world, it contains both, advantages and

disadvantages. The positive and negative effects of a solar car, environmentally, and

locally are studied economically. [10]

2.3.1. Advantages

Solar car provides many advantages: Eco-friendly and Quiet where solar

cars are zero-emission because they do not use non-renewable resources and burn fuel.

Electricity generated by electric motors emits neither greenhouse gases nor other

pollutants. These cars are quieter than conventional fuel-powered cars and do not cause

noise pollution. These vehicles get their energy indirectly from the sun, which always

shines and provides endless energy. Efficient solar panels can generate and store more

horsepower for vehicles. Having aluminum and lightweight components, the solar-

powered cars run faster and more smoothly than petrol and diesel engine vehicles.

7
2.3.2. Disadvantages

Despite all the positive effects, its disadvantages can’t be overlooked. The

solar vehicles caused many side effects: starting with the Design Challenge, where a

solar car requires a large roof area to install solar panels, has low wind resistance, and

can accommodate only two passengers. Then, poor practicality; Cars lack driver safety

features and other equipment such as wiper blades, headlights and mirrors. Suspension,

chassis strength, steering, brakes, fixed solar panels and battery placement also need to

be taken seriously. In addition, Efficient solar panels and batteries and their replacement

are too costly and need to be replaced frequently. This makes solar cars an expensive

affair. The solar panels can convert 15-30% of sunlight into electricity, and that’s

depends on the material used, which is quite limited.

2.4. WHAT WAS THE FIRST LONG-DISTANCE SOLAR-POWERED CAR?

In December 1982, the Quiet Achiever became the first practical long-range

solar powered vehicle when it completed the first transcontinental voyage powered

entirely by solar cells. Aboard Australian adventurer Hans Thorstrup, developed by

Australian brothers Larry and Gary Perkins and sponsored by BP. Quiet Achiever

crossed Australia from west to east for approximately 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles)

at an average speed of 14 miles per hour. He completed this incredible journey in less

than 20 days. For comparison, the first petrol car took him 30 days for the same trip.

Tholstrup first came up with the idea of solar car racing because he was

interested in saving non-renewable resources. The Sun-mobile inspired Quiet

8
Achiever is handcrafted from fiberglass and steel tubing to resemble a light aircraft.

He was equipped with a 1-kilowatt photovoltaic array consisting of two rows of ten

36-cell solar panels connected together. From the Indian Ocean he collected a bottle

of sea water as his journey began at Scarborough Beach. It was transported across

Australia on Quiet Achiever before pouring into the Pacific Ocean near Sydney.

The impressive success of the Quiet Achievers Trek prompted Tholstrup to

launch the World Solar Challenge, a solar power racing competition held in Australia

in 1987. It is now considered the world championship for solar car racing [11] . for

the fascinating History of the solar car you can refer to the appendix 2

9
 CHAPTER 3. PROJECT SPECIFICATION

3.1. INTRODUCTION

The solar car contains a number of black solar panels; This allows it to absorb

sunlight. black objects absorb most of the light that hits them. But in solar cars, part of

the light is converted. It is converted into electricity by a device called a "solar cell".

The electricity is used to drive the car’s electric motor. Surplus electricity is stored in

the battery when it's cloudy. the battery, output-for short times can be increased to 8 hp.

Components include solar arrays, power tracker, battery, motor, controller, solar car

brake. [12]

Figure 3-1: Cars use solar energy to move [13]

10
3.2. COMPONENTS

3.2.1. Solar Arrays

Solar cars are powered by the sun’s energy ergo solar panels are the most

important part of a solar car since they are solely responsible for collecting the sun’s

energy. The solar panels used in this project are mono crystalline and flexible. They

can be mounted and fitted on top of the car or on the bonnet with ease owing to their

thin semi-flexible nature.

Figure 3-2: Conversion of solar energy into electrical energy [14]

3.2.2. Power Trackers

Power tracker transforms the solar array voltage to system voltage. the power

tracker in the convert the energy received to move the car and charge the battery.

11
3.2.3. Battery

Batteries store energy from electricity, after the Power Tracker converts

energy to a usable one that can be used by the vehicle, it sends that energy to the battery

and then to the battery storage. This energy is sent to the motor and controller.

3.2.4. Motor and Controller

Engine and controller: Motor controller adjusts the quantity of energy flowing

in the motor corresponds to the accelerator pedal. The motor uses this energy to move

the wheel.

3.2.5. Inverter

An electrical device that converts DC power to AC power and vice versa. It

may be used in our application in case the street lights we need to power requires AC

current.

3.2.6. Generator

A DC generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into DC electricity

(direct current). The energy alteration process uses the principle of energetically

induced electromotive force. [15]

12
3.3. DESIGN CALCULATION

The important rule and parameters instruction by ISIE-ESVC-14 are following

point: [16]

• Wheelbase: The vehicle must have a wheelbase of at least 1168.4 mm (46

inches).

• Track width: The smaller track of the vehicle (front or rear) must be no less

than 75% of the larger track.

• Suspension: 2-inch suspension travel (1-inch Jounce & 1 Inch Bounce).

• Tires and wheels: using three wheels then there should be two wheels on

the front

• Material: use only seamless pipe.

• Impact bumper: Should be an impact bumper on front and rear side of the

vehicle.

• Jack Points: must be two jack points on the vehicle

• Motor: Power 5 kW maximum and operating voltage is restricted to maximum

48 Volts at any point of the circuit.

• Batteries: Batteries should have maximum of 48v and 150 AH all the time

of event.

• Solar panels: overall area of the solar panel should not exceed 50 square ft.

Let’s consider the following assumption in Solar Electric Vehicle:

• Mass of the Vehicle = 144.60kg

• Speed = 60 kmh-1

• Slope % = 0.1

13
 • Wheel Diameter = 0.44m

• Battery Weight = 30kg

• Average Speed = 45kmh-1

• Range = 50km

3.3.1. Calculation of electrical vehicle motor specification

𝑣 = 𝑟 ×𝜔 (3.1)

𝜔 =2×𝜋×𝑓 (3.2)

𝜔
𝑓= (𝑅𝑃𝑆) (3.3)
2×𝜋

𝜔 × 60
𝑓= (𝑅𝑃𝑀) (3.4)
2×𝜋

where:

i. v – linear velocity (m/s)

ii. r – radius of wheels (m)

iii. ω – angular velocity (rad/s)

iv. f – frequency (Hz)

14
3.3.2. Calculation for Peak Torque required to move the Vehicle.

Specification
Battery
Voltage
Capacity 12V
Battery Specification:
20AH
Voltage 12V

Capacity 20AH

Quantity 3
𝜏 = (𝑀 + 𝐶𝑏 ) × 𝑔 × 𝑅𝑤 × 𝑠 (3.5)

𝑃 =𝜏×𝜔 (3.6)

Where:

i. τ – Peak Torque (N-m)

ii. M – mass of the vehicle (kg)

iii. Cb – battery Capacity (AH)

iv. g - Acceleration due to gravity (N/kg)

v. Rw - Wheel Radius (m)

vi. s - Slope %

3.3.3. Continuous Power required, Continuous Speed and Continuous Torque

required.

The power rating of an electrical machine indicates the supply voltage required

for smooth operation of that machine. It also indicates the maximum allowable amount

of current that can flow through the machine without problems, and beyond which the

machine may fail.

15
 𝑭𝑻 = 𝑭𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 + 𝑭𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒈 + 𝑭𝑨𝑪 (3.7)
𝟏
𝑭𝑻 = [𝝁𝑹 × 𝑾] + [ × 𝑪𝑫 × 𝑨𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 × 𝝆 × 𝟐𝑽] + 𝒎 × 𝒂
𝟐

Where

• FROLLING = µR*W

• FDRAG = (1/2)*cD*Across*ρ*(V) 2

• FACCELERATION = m*a

• V = Vavg x 60 / 2 x π x Rw

Therefore, the power that must be supplied by the motor to provide the current

speed and acceleration is:

𝑃𝑇 = 𝐹𝑇 × 𝑣 (3.17)

Vmax m/s

Weight W N

Coefficient of rolling resistance, µR 0.01

Coefficient of drag, Cd 0.35

Frontal area, ACROSS m²

Mass density of air, ρ 1.2 kg/m³

V: The vehicle’s speed. m/s

16
 m: The mass of the car … Kg

m / s²
a: is the acceleration

Table 3.1: parameters used for calculation

3.3.4. Battery capacity:

Capacity is the measurement of how much energy the battery can store (in

Ampere-hour), analogous to the amount of water in a jug. The capacity required will

be dependent on the car’s acceleration and speed as well as the total distance the car

will overcome before the battery charge is depleted.

𝑃𝑇
𝐸𝐵𝑂 = (3.8)
𝜇𝑀

𝑃𝑇
𝐸𝐵𝐼 = (3.9)
𝜂𝑀 × 𝜂𝐵𝐶 × 𝜂𝐵𝐷𝐶 × 𝜂𝐶𝐶

𝐸𝐵𝐼
𝐶𝐵 = (3.10)
𝐷𝑜𝐷 × 𝑉

𝐶𝑏 × 𝑉
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒(𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠) = (3.11)
𝑃

𝐶𝑏 × 𝑉 75
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒(𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 25%) = (3.12)
𝑃 100

𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒(𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 0 𝑡𝑜 100% 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠)

𝐸𝑠𝑡 (3.13)
= ×𝜔
𝑃𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑒

17
 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒(𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 0 𝑡𝑜 100% 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑠 2.5
𝐸𝑠𝑡 75 (3.14)
=
𝑃𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑒 100

Where:

i. EBO - Battery output energy required (kWh)

ii. PT - Motor energy needed (kWh)

iii. EBI - Battery input energy required (kWh)

iv. DoD - Depth of discharge

v. Est - Energy Stored Battery (KWh)

vi. Ppane - Power of panel (Watt)

vii. Vb - Total battery voltage (V)

Motor efficiency, ηM 90%

Battery discharging efficiency, ηBDC 90%

Battery charging efficiency, ηBC 90%

charge controller efficiency, ηCC 90%

Depth of discharge, DoD 80%

Table 3.2:Assumptions of efficiency battery capacity calculations

Figure 3-3: System diagram solar panel, battery and motor [23]

18
3.3.5. Panel Wattage

Power: 110 W

Open Circuit Voltage: 21.84V

Short Circuit Current :6.11A

Voltage at maximum power: 17.99V

Current at maximum power: 5.57A

Quantity :5

Table 3.3: Solar Panel Specification

According to the system diagram in FIGURE 3-3 the total energy required

from the output of solar panels:

𝐸𝐵𝑂 = 𝐸𝐵𝐼(𝑘𝑊ℎ) (3.15)

the solar insolation (solar radiation energy received) on average corresponds

6.65 KWh/KW.

Therefore, the minimum required panel wattage is,

𝐸𝐵𝑂
𝑃𝑊 = (𝑊) (3.16)
6.65

To account for the acceleration of the car the actual value chosen for the panel

wattage was 5 panels of 110 W each i.e. 5*110 = 550 W

19
 Figure 3-4: Solar irradiance in Lebanon. [17]

3.5. CONCLUSION

Solar cells (PVC) are attached to the car to collect solar energy and convert it

into electrical energy. Semiconductors made from alloys of Silicon with Indium,

Gallium, and emit light, creating a stream of electrons that generate electricity. This

electricity charges the included 12V battery and powers a 500-watt brushless DC motor

drive that transfers energy to power the vehicle. In some configurations the motor can

be powered directly from the energy produced by the solar cell. When the energy is sent

from theater to the motor, the motor puts the amount of energy flowing into the throttle.

The energy obtained is used to move the wheels. [18]

The main equations related to the calculation were presented, and the values

obtained are used to perform the design presented in chapter 4.

20
Figure 3-3-2: -The energy obtained is used to move the wheels

21
 CHAPTER 4. DESIGN

4.1. INTRODUCTION

Our aim is to build this design to be as simple as possible and easy to maintain.

After designing our solar car on Solidwork and applying the needed load provided from

the solar energy via solar panels to move the car as it is shown in the following image

Figure 4.1. We obtained many results that will be compared to the previous manual

calculation.

Figure 4-1- Final assembly

4.2. MATERIALS SELECTION

Solar panels have become more efficient than before. Every day, more and

more efficient. In this experiment we used the LONGI panels with an inverter of type

Huawei Technology and last the batteries of SMA type.

22
 Figure 4-2: LONGI Solar Technology Datasheet [19]

As the industry prepares for a wave of electrified powertrains and battery-

electric vehicle platforms, aluminum has emerged as the preferred choice for many

automakers, because it has the potential to reduce vehicle weight, increase vehicle

range, and enable heavy components such as batteries in addition the Cost-Beneficial.

[20]

4.3. MAIN COMPONENTS

The design work through a set of components and instructions. Now, all

components will be introduced and illustrated with details in the below subsections.

4.3.1. Wheels

Figure 4-3:Wheels used for the solar car

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 The figure 4.3 represents the wheels. It’s the main components that help the

cars to move with a diameter of 0.44 m and thickness equal to 0.14m.

4.3.2. Solar Panels

Figure 4-4: A sample of a solar panel

The Figure 4.4 represents the solar panels mounted on the top of the car with

parameters of 2.20*0.80*0.15 m

4.4. CONCLUSION

This chapter presented the chosen design for the solar car with its main parts

and dimensions, the main result of the simulation is presented in chapter 6.

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 CHAPTER 5. NON-TECHNICAL ASPECTS

5.1. INTRODUCTION

This chapter illustrates the overall economic and financial aspects of the

components and materials used to implement the solar car. Study the management, as

well as its maintenance, long-term sustainability, environmental impact.

5.2. ECONOMICAL/FINANCIAL

The Table 5.1 illustrates the main materials and their prices respectively. The

importance of this table is to know the initial cost of the design, and to perform an

overall cost analysis study about the design.

Components image Quantity Total Price

LONGI solar 7 0.26$-0.30$/watt

panels 0.26*200= 52$

(each)

52$*7 =364$

25
batteries 3 ≥10PCS $60.51/Pcs

≥300PCS$57.32/Pcs

≥1000PCS

$55.73/Pcs

Inverters 2 $235.28-

238.52/Piece

Table 5.5.1: Quantity and Prices of the main components used in the design. [21]

We should know that the entire cost of this project is difficult to predict, since

just indicate the price of the mechanical and electrical materials that we used.

Furthermore, the price may change due to the purchase of the materials and the amount

of the corporation supporting of this project.

5.3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

This project aims to dispense engine system with another renewable energy

system. Social responsibility is essential to make ethical decisions that have a positive

impact on society.

Therefore, we need to consider how our actions affect communities to create

long lasting relationships. To fulfill our social responsibility, we must follow the code

of Ethics. Our goal is to deliver and explain the purpose of this project to the

community: How to ethically benefit society without harming the environment. As

result, it helps to adopt a strong ethical code that includes social responsibility help

26
attract other firms interested in sponsoring our projects for the benefits that we have

over our competitors.

5.4. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY

This project is mainly designed to help the environment by decreasing the

amount of fuel used to move the car, and that’s by converting the solar energy to an

electrical energy. As conclusion, we were able to save money while reducing the air

and noise pollution. Hence, this project is literally eco-friendly and have no harms to

the environment.

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 CHAPTER 6. RESULTS

6.1. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Solar car of weight 144.60 kg which will be driven by a DC motor powered

by solar panels and batteries. (Appendix table 2) 7 panels are enough to recharge the

batteries in 79hours (which is the first downside of solar cars). These batteries are

powered are enough to run the car for at least 3 hours with a speed average speed 40

km/h and top speed 60 km/h. the range that can run Without sunlight 35 km. Unlike

internal combustion engines this solar car will get its battery recharged during traffic.

This is just the beginning of a new era with the help of future technology and

this research paper. We hope to get more economical and resource-efficient car.

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 CHAPTER 7. CONCLUSION

To cope with the increasing fuel demand and the devastating pollution caused

by driving carbon-based vehicles, it is very necessary to switch to a new energy source

- solar energy. friendly alternative. Then, using SolidWorks software, the design was

proposed in chapter 4. The chapter 6 presented the main results of the performed

simulation using SOLIDWORKS. These results validate the proposed design and

shows that it can be produced and used an actual solution allowing a comfort

transportation for patients at low cost in Lebanon.

As solar cars can easily integrate future technologies, we hope that it won't be

long before the majority of people around the world switch to driving these modern

vehicles, making a positive difference to their lives and the environment. This is just

the beginning of the new technology, and future developments will ensure that solar

cars will become the dominant mode of transportation over internal combustion

engines.

The design should be studied in the future work for further details concerning

mechanical and electrical losses, because we experimented our project in an ideal case

where all the external forces are excluded. Hence, our results are theoretical and further

studies should be conducted to obtain more realistic results.

29
APPENDIX A. DETAILS

A.1. HISTORICAL EVENTS AND DATES, IN SUPPORT OF CHAPTER 2

Events and Dates Description

General Motors employee William G.
1955 Cobb designed the Sunmobile, which
Invention of the first model solar panel car was made up of 12 selenium photovoltaic
cells and a tiny electric motor.

Alan Freeman developed a three-wheeled

vehicle that was powered by both
1976
sunlight and pedals. In 1981, the UK
Debut of the first solar car that could be legally
stopped taxing electric vehicles, so he
driven
registered and insured his invention so it
could be used on the road.

The University of Michigan’s Sunrunner

won the first edition of this annual solar
1990
car race, originally called Sunrayce USA,
First ever American Solar Challenge
which spans nearly 2,000 miles across
the United States.

An annual U.S.-based solar-powered car

race for students that attracts teams from
1993
around the world. The first race was won
The Solar Car Challenge commences
by Los Altos Academy of Engineering’s
Cool Runnings.

The team finished the journey within 5.5

days, beating the previous record by 3
January 2007
days. The car was capable of carrying a
Jaycar Sunswift III breaks the world record for the
passenger (facing backward), which was
fastest solar car journey across Australia
the first step toward a practical every
day-use solar car.

2008
Tokai University’s solar car, the Tokai
First ever Sasol Solar Challenge takes place in
Falcon, won the race.
South Africa

2014
It achieved an average speed of 66 mph
Sunswift eVe breaks the record for the fastest
(107 km/h).
electric car over 500 km (310 mi)

2019 Created by the Western Michigan

Sunseeker wins the 2019 Formula Sun Grand Prix University solar race car team, it cost just

30
 $7,000 to build (other teams’ solar arrays
cost up to $1 million).

Costing $25,900 to $44,900, the Aptera

December 2020 has been described as the first solar
Aptera Motors begins taking pre-orders for the electric vehicle that requires no charging
Aptera, the first mass-produced solar-powered car for most daily use. It can achieve 0-60
mph in 3.5 seconds.

Available for preorder for $34,000 from

January 2021 German company Sono Motors, the Sion
Sono Motors reveals the Sion solar car has an expected range of up to 190 miles
(305 km).

Available for preorder for $6,800 from

July 2021 Amsterdam-based startup Squad
Squad Mobility launches the Squad Solar City Car, Mobility, the Squad Solar City Car has a
a two-seater that can run entirely on sunlight range of 12 miles and a max speed of 28
mph, making it ideal for city errands.

31
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