A Solar Car Primer - Hardcover

Thacher, Eric F

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 159033308X ISBN 13: 9781590333082

Publisher: Nova Biomedical, 2003

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In the quixotic quest to reduce air pollution and fuel cars with alternative sources instead of gas, solar powered cars have emerged as one option. Although disagreements abound about the feasibility and practicality of these vehicles, this book presents the basics behind the idea of solar cars. From the construction of the engine to raising funds, the book is a valuable introduction to the present and future of the emission-free automobile.

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About the Author

� Teaches readers to fund, design, and build a competitive solar race car

� Draws on real experiences of successful teams to emphasize cost and energy efficiency

� Enables a complete understanding of the application of solar power to vehicles, from underlying physics to practical implementation

� Includes pivotal information on recent advances such as the World Solar Challenge’s addition of a "Cruiser Class" allowing multiple occupants

This exciting primer on Solar Racing literally starts from the ground up, describing how the interactions of a vehicle with its environment circumscribe its ultimate success, from aerodynamics to resistance and propulsion. By demonstrating how to mathematically model these underlying physical phenomena, the author helps solar racing competitors carefully select key characteristics of the vehicle ,such as weight and shape, to produce optimal speed. Energy conversion and demand are given particular attention, followed by chapters devoted to examining solar racers’ design, manufacture and testing using a structured problem-solving process to keep projects on track and on schedule. A chapter devoted to energy management strategies provides invaluable tips on maximizing average speed during a race. Complex issues such as ventilation system analysis and performance simulation are covered in dedicated appendices. The financial aspect of project design is not neglected, as both fund-raising and cost estimation are given in-depth consideration.

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