LASV.ORG >> Legacy Vehicles: Solar Shadow

Overview Past Projects and Participation

Infusion Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle HICE Hydrogen Internal Combustion Vehicle Autonomous Vehicle Botball Build Your Dream Vehicle Bridge Competition Solar Boat

ISAAQ Middle School Robotics

Advisory Committee Alumni Advisors Students

Alumni Build Your Dream Vehicle Cool Runnings Human Powered Airplane Dragster Light Speed 1/2/3 Solar Shadow 1/2 ZEV Challenge Infusion Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle JPL Invention Challenge Botball Solar Boat Speed Racer

Designed and Constructed: 1996

Competed in: World Solar Challenge (Australia, 1996); Winston Solar Challenge (1997)

Dimensions
   Length: 179 inches
   Width: 68 inches
   Height: 40 inches

Weight
   750 lb. (with battery)
   with driver: 925 lb.

Frame
Chassis: Dual Layer Nomex Honeycomb Core Material
       - Carbon Fiber: Stiff Support
       - Kevlar: Outer Skin/ Insulation.

Suspension
   Mono Shock Setup -
   Work Performance Shocks
       - Front: Modified Dual A-Arm
       - Rear: Swing Arm: Dual Wheel
   Array Substructure
       - Fiberglass
       - Carbon Fiber

Brakes
Primary and Secondary Hydraulic Disk Brakes

Motor
Solectra DC Brush Type Permanent Magnet Motor
       - 85% Efficiency
       - Rated Power 3hp
       - Maximum Power 12hp

Speed control
   Average speed: 25-30 mph
   Top speed: 40 mph

Batteries
   8 GNB EV-500 lead-acid 12 Volt
   3.4 Wh discharge at 5hrs
   34.5 per battery

Wheels
   20 inch ACS brand BMX Tires at 100 psi

Efficiency
Average efficiency is 14.25% of sunlight converted to energy
    -14.5% efficient polycrystalline solar cells
    -14% efficient monocrystalline solar cells

Check out the Solar Shadow photo gallery by clicking here.

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