World Solar Challenge

The Race For solar (photovoltaic) powered vehicles Darwin to Adelaide: 3000km First Race 1987 Currently held every two years

The Race 22 competitors in 2003 Race 8am - 5pm daily Winner 2003: 31hours, = 97km/h

The Regulations Vehicle Dimensions –Max: 5m long x 1.8m wide x 1.6m high Driver’s vision –Eye level > 0.7m –Electronic rear view allowed

The Regulations Classes –Development: energy storage < 5kWh –Production: production (commercially available) solar cells production (commercially available) batteries –Stock: As for production class but with lead-acid batteries

Strategy –Constant velocity to minimise aerodynamic losses ( aero drag varies with velocity 2 ) –Weather statistics from previous years –Weather prediction –Simulations

The Competition

Events July 2005: American Solar Challenge East coast to West coast October 2005: World Solar Challenge North to South coast 3000km June/July 2004: UK Tour Visit schools in the UK Highlight science/engineering World Solar Challenge