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Rob Beckers
27th October 2009, 07:45
The annual World Solar Challenge (http://globalgreenchallenge.com.au/the-event) is happening once again in Australia. This is a 3000km race clear across Australia in solar-only powered vehicles. They average an amazing average of over 100km/h!

This year there is a new category for eco-vehicles that are not strictly solar-only, under the name Eco Challenge.

Check it out!

-RoB-
Joe Blake
27th October 2009, 20:06
Looks like the Japanese might do pretty well.

Joe
Rob Beckers
28th October 2009, 07:26
Ah! Don't count out the Dutch, last I heard they are currently in second place. :)

-RoB-
Brian Pearl
29th October 2009, 18:14
I just found some footage of the vehicles in action and thought I'd share it.

YouTube - World Solar Challenge 2009

I wonder what's the maximum incline they can traverse under full sun power.
Rob Beckers
30th October 2009, 06:15
Neat footage! Thanks Brian!
My understanding is that they all carry batteries, so while they have recharge from solar they can exceed the power input of just solar at a given moment. Part of the strategic challenge is about how much storage to carry around (less batteries = lighter = faster and less energy demand, but if there's not enough sun to keep things charged they get in trouble)

If anyone is interested; most of the cars use a CSIRO motor kit (http://www.csiro.au/resources/pf11g.html) for propulsion. Basically a big permanent magnet alternator that is used as a motor, though a very efficient one. They claim 95 - 99% efficiency!

-RoB-