Solar Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Since finishing our second solar car, the basking beastie, We have taken upon the project of making a new Solar-panelled utility vehicle, or the SUV
THE SUV
Our Solar Utility Vehicle; the next step in solar powered cars. With unique solar “wings” extending out to allow even more power, our car can even power homes and small schools. With the prototype practically finished, and tests already underway, the car is closer than ever to being a reality.
Detailed Specification of the Solar Utility Vehicle
Size of SUV 4.8 x 1.8 x 1.8m (length x width x height)
Front Suspension double wishbone
Rear Suspension trailing arm
Steering rack and pinion
Braking disc dual system
Tyres off road 17”
Frame Mild Steel
Body Aluminium Panelling
Seats 3 front, rear 3 seats detachable
Weight 1.2tonnes
Hub motors in the rear wheels total max power 24kW
Operating Voltage 95-140V (nominal 130V)
Battery removable 22kWh (constructed of 2000 18650 3500mAh Lithium cells) with the ability to extend to 44kWh.
BMS with 4off CMUs
Charger Elcon
Charger, BMS, Motor controllers CAN bus compatible
Solar cells 3M2 23% efficient main body of the car
Extendable Silicon 6M2 23% efficient with solar tracking ability.
Fitted with 4 MPPTs
Update: The battery has been finished
This battery was built by the pupils of Ardingly College and Ifield Community College over a period of 30 months. The battery consists of 1984 cells configured in blocks of 496 cells with 16 cells x31 cells. Each line is configured with 8 in series and 8 in parallel giving a max voltage of 36V. Each block is connected in series giving a maximum operating voltage of 144V. The battery will operate from 99V to 144V. The energy of the battery stored is approximately 22KWh.
Each module is configured with a CMU which talks to the BMU. The CMU monitors the voltage of each parallel line of cells. Also monitors the temperature of the centre of the block. The BMU and CMU are powered by a 150VDC to 12VDC converter mounted In the battery box and hence powering up involves the initiation of this 12V signal. This safety measure ensures power is maintained within the battery box until designated safe to use by a pre start sequence which monitors voltage drop and allows motor controller capacitors to charge at low current. The BMU unit is manufactured by Tritium. Each battery pole is isolated/activated by a relay an the current is monitored by a shunt going in or coming out of the battery. Cooling is by air changes approx. 20-30 per minute
