Design and Competition of Homemade Solar Cars to Explore The Potential of Renewable Energy

Abstract：

In this study, a homemade solar car was designed and tested in competition form. Through the analysis of the experimental results, the feasibility and efficiency of the trolley in using the solar energy as the energy drive are verified. The study also explored the performance of solar cars under different light conditions, and its speed and stability in competition. The experimental results show that the solar car can operate normally in different environments and show the potential value of renewable energy. The design of the solar trolley is described in detail and proposed possible improvements to further optimize its performance. Through this study, we can have a deeper understanding of the potential of solar energy in small vehicles, and provide reference and inspiration for the future development of renewable energy technologies.

Keywords: self-made solar trolley, competition, renewable energy, design, application prospects, solar panels, tires, drive system

1. Introduce

1.1 Research Background

With the increasing global energy crisis, renewable energy has become one of the important ways to solve energy demand and environmental protection. Solar energy, as one of the clean and infinite energy sources, is gradually attracting wide attention and attention from countries all over the world. In this context, the design and competition of a homemade solar car have become a hot topic.

 Solar energy car design and competition is not only a simple scientific and technological activity, but also the feasibility and potential of exploring and using solar energy as a power source in practice [1]. By participating in the design and competition of solar car, we can enhance students 'understanding of renewable energy, cultivate students' innovative and practical ability, and promote students' concept of environmental protection and sustainable development [2]. At the same time, the design and competition of solar cars can also provide an experimental platform and data support [3] for research in related fields.

However, there are still some problems and challenges in the current solar car design and competition. For example, the efficiency and stability of solar cells still need to be improved, the manufacturing cost of solar cars is high, and the overall performance still needs to be improved. Therefore, it is necessary to further increase the investment in the research and competition of solar cars, strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, promote technological innovation and achievement transformation, and promote the application and development of solar cars in the field of renewable energy.

1.2 Research Objectives

The main purpose of this study is to design an efficient solar trolley and apply it in the competition to try to explore the potential of renewable energy in the transportation field. We hope that through this practical project, we will demonstrate the sustainability and reliability of solar energy in transportation, and arouse people's attention and awareness of clean energy. At the same time, we also hope to raise public awareness and understanding of solar technology, and encourage more people to participate in the research and application of renewable energy.

 In the past few years, as climate change and environmental issues have become increasingly prominent, the demand for and emphasis on renewable energy has increased. As a clean and sustainable form of energy, solar energy is becoming more and more popular. By designing solar cars and participating in the competition, we hope to send a positive message to the society: renewable energy is not only the future development trend, but also an important way to achieve environmental protection and sustainable development.

In this competition, we will make a comprehensive use of mechanical design, electronic technology and solar energy technology, to create a stable performance, energy-saving and efficient solar energy car. We will comprehensively optimize the body design, energy conversion, drive system and other aspects, and strive to achieve excellent results in the competition. At the same time, we will also take this opportunity to communicate and learn from other teams to discuss the application prospects of renewable energy in the field of transportation, and make our own contribution to the construction of building a green and low-carbon society.

2. Solar-energy trolley design

2.1 Principle of solar energy trolley

2.1.1 Solar panel design

Figure 1: Schematic diagram of the solar panel design principle

The design of solar panels is crucial when designing homemade solar carts. Solar panels, the key component to convert sunlight into electricity, are the energy source that the entire car can run. In the design of solar panels, the factors that need to be considered include the receiving efficiency of solar energy, the material selection of the panel, the fixation mode of the panel, etc. Solar panels are designed to pursue an efficient energy conversion to ensure enough electricity to power the car. Material selection of panels is also crucial, choosing materials that can effectively absorb solar energy and convert it into electricity. The panel needs to be fixed in a stable and reliable manner to ensure that the trolley will not become loose or fall off when it is running. By carefully designing solar panels, we can maximize the use of renewable energy and provide sustainable energy security for the operation of small cars.

2.1.1 Design of the trolley structure

In the design of solar car, the first thing to consider is the structural design of the car. An excellent solar car should have good stability, flexibility and efficient performance. For the choice of tires, light and wear-resistant materials are usually used to reduce friction and improve the driving efficiency of the car. The design of the tire is also very critical, generally will choose the tire with excellent grip, to ensure that the car can drive stably in a variety of road conditions.

The drive system is also an important consideration. An electric drive system is usually used to convert light energy into electricity through solar panels to drive the car forward. Designing an efficient drive system can effectively improve the driving speed and stability of the car. In the drive system, the selection of batteries and the design of the charging system should also be considered to ensure that the car can be continuously run during the race.

In addition to the tires and drive system, the structural design of the car is also crucial. Reasonable body design can reduce the wind resistance and improve the driving efficiency of the car. Considering that various complex road conditions may be encountered during the race, the structural design of the car should also have certain earthquake resistance and durability to ensure that the car can successfully complete the race task.

3. Competition exploration

3.1 Organization and participation of the competition

In the paper 'Design and Competition of self-made solar Car: Exploring the potential of renewable energy', the organization and participation of the competition play a vital role [4]. The organization of competitions needs to have clear rules and standards to ensure fair competition and the objectivity of judgment. Participants need to have the technical and innovation ability to design and build solar car [5] that meet the requirements of the competition.

The design and performance evaluation of solar cars is a crucial part of the competition. Among them, the light energy conversion efficiency of the usable solar cells is a key parameter. Assuming that the light energy conversion efficiency of a solar cell is η, the relationship between its electricity output and the light energy input can be expressed in the following mathematical model:

Among them, P_out is the power output of solar cells in watt (W); P_in is the light energy input received by solar cells in watt (W). η Represents the light energy conversion efficiency of solar cells, whose values range from 0 to 1.

In the design and competition of the solar car, making full use of the light energy conversion efficiency of solar cells is one of the keys to improve the performance of the whole system. Through reasonable design and optimization, the driving distance and speed of the solar car can be improved, so as to achieve better results in the competition.

3.2 Competition process and result

In the competition, I and my teammates made a design of a solar car. We made full preparations before the race, including studying the performance of the solar panels, designing the vehicle structure, and optimizing the battery storage for [6]. In the race, our car performed well, in the sunshine of the sun smoothly, achieved good results.

The car in the race showed a clean, environmentally friendly characteristics, without fuel, only rely on solar energy can continue to operate. This feature was favored by the judges and the audience, and we also deeply realized the potential and importance of renewable energy through this competition.

However, the solar-powered cars also have some shortcomings. Solar panels are highly dependent on sunlight, and the operating efficiency of the car will be affected in cloudy days or insufficient solar radiation. The efficiency of solar energy conversion needs to be improved, and the current charging speed is slow, not suitable for the urgent need of long operation.

Overall, participating in the homemade solar car design competition is an unforgettable experience [7]. By designing and making cars, we have a deep understanding of the application of renewable energy and realized the importance of environmental protection and energy saving. It is hoped that it can continue to explore the potential of renewable energy and promote the development and application of more new energy technologies.

4. Exploring the potential of renewable energy sources

4.1 The application of solar energy in transportation

The application of solar energy in the field of transportation has always attracted much attention. It has the advantages of zero emission, low cost and unlimited renewable energy, which has greatly promoted the development of renewable energy vehicles such as solar cars. At present, the solar car, as a new type of transportation vehicle, has begun to be tested and applied in some urban and rural areas.

The solar trolley is designed to use efficient solar panels, which absorb the solar energy into electricity and drive the vehicle running. Its design not only achieves zero carbon emissions, but also reduces the demand for traditional oil resources and reduces environmental pollution by [8]. At the same time, the cost of solar car is relatively low, easy to maintain and operate, and has a positive impact on reducing the cost of transportation.

With the continuous progress of science and technology and the continuous improvement of solar energy technology, solar car has great potential in the future field of transportation. It can not only effectively reduce the dependence on traditional energy, but also improve the efficiency and safety of transportation, and promote the sustainable development of low-carbon and environmental protection.

Therefore, the competition to design and manufacture homemade solar cars is of great significance, which can not only stimulate people's enthusiasm and creativity for renewable energy, but also accelerate the promotion and application of solar vehicles in the future, and contribute to the construction of a green and environmentally friendly society. With the participation and attention of more people, I believe that the application prospect of solar car will be broader.

4.2 Development trend of renewable energy

Table 1: Design parameters and race results of self-made solar-powered cars

In our study, we designed a solar trolley that combines renewable energy and dynamics principles. The design uses solar panels as an energy source, combined with the mechanical characteristics of the motor and tire, to achieve the movement of [9] of the car. In the competition, we carried on the speed, stability, turning ability of the car, and achieved satisfactory results. Through this experiment, we not only verify the application potential of renewable energy in the power system, but also show the development prospects of solar car in the future field of transportation. By continuously improving the design and optimizing the parameters, we believe that the future of solar cars will be able to more efficiently use renewable energy, and make a greater contribution to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental protection.

5. Conclusions and outlook

A race to design and build homemade solar cars can inspire enthusiasm and creativity for renewable energy. Such a competition will not only accelerate the promotion and application of solar-energy vehicles in the future, but also contribute to the construction of a green and environmentally friendly society. As a new type of transportation vehicle, solar car has the advantages of zero emission, low cost and unlimited renewable capacity, and has great potential in the future transportation field. Through independent design and competition practice, we can further explore the application prospects of solar energy in future transportation, and promote the development of renewable energy technology [10]. At the same time, the organizers and participants of the competition also need to have a certain technical and innovative ability to design and manufacture solar cars that meet the requirements of the competition. Through the design and optimization of solar panels, as well as the car structure, drive system and other considerations, we can improve the performance of solar cars in the competition and demonstrate the potential of renewable energy. Through this practice, we have a deep understanding of the application of renewable energy, and realized the importance of environmental protection and energy saving. It is hoped that through the continuous exploration and application of renewable energy, we will promote the development and application of more new energy technologies and contribute to the construction of a green and low-carbon society.

Funding

  This research received no external funding.

Author Contributions

  All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

  The authors declared that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

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