EXAMPLE !!

A Two-Seater Light-Weight Solar Powered Clean Car

Abstract

  • Purpose: Design a prototype of an economical, solar-powered clean car for daily commuters in Dhaka.

  • Solar energy: Sufficient to operate the car for round trips across Dhaka.

  • Design estimates for panel size, battery capacity, and motor power are provided.

  • Plug-in charging option available for low sun conditions.

  • Economic analysis reveals solar cars are significantly cheaper over 20 years than traditional fuel cars (less than BDT 2 lac vs. about BDT 12 lac).

Introduction

  • Background: Solar cars have emerged from university research (e.g., MIT) and are being developed globally to reduce pollution.

  • Importance: Can significantly impact pollution in Dhaka, one of the world's most polluted cities.

  • Daily Commuting: Focused on the common 35 km round trip between Uttara and Matijheel.

  • Economic Context: Rising fuel prices and environmental costs make solar cars more attractive.

Design Outline

The Proposed Car

  • 3D model of a compact, light-weight two-seater car with solar panels on the roof.

  • Streamlined design to reduce air resistance.

System Architecture

  • Energy Capture: Solar panels convert sunlight to electricity, stored in batteries.

  • Charge Controller: Prevents battery overcharging and ensures longevity.

  • Plug-in Option: Allows charging from the mains when solar energy is insufficient.

Safety Features

  • Adequate measures to prevent electrical hazards and monitor system health.

  • Safety Components: Dashboard meters, a dedicated chamber for batteries, a kill switch for emergencies.

Motor Power, Panel Size, and Battery Capacity

  1. Motor Power Calculation:

    • Formula: P = v × F, where F depends on the mass and rolling resistance.

    • Assumed maximum speed: 60 km/h; mass: 500 kg; recommended motor power: 700W.

  2. Battery Capacity:

    • Based on the return trip distance of 40 km, total energy required calculated.

    • Consideration for varying motor power (450W to 700W) and additional losses.

    • Final capacity determined: 33.73 Ah, preferred battery: four 12V vented lead-acid batteries.

  3. Panel Size:

    • Optimized based on required energy output accounting for losses (charging efficiency, etc.).

    • Chose solar insolation value of 6 hours for calculation.

    • Required panel wattage estimated at 184.1 W, hence four 50W panels selected.

Economic Analysis

  • Life Cycle Cost (LCC): Comprehensive overview of solar car cost, including installation, replacements, and operations over 20 years, with a promising decline in solar panel prices.

  • Present Worth Calculations: Detailed assessment of costs associated with solar cars compared to traditional fuel cars (including inflation rates).

Conclusions

  • Proposed design of a two-seater solar car is viable for Dhaka’s commuting needs.

  • Estimated operational cost with supplemental electric use is significantly lower than typical fuel-based cars.

  • Positive impacts on pollution and public health, bolstered by governmental support and falling solar costs.

  • The solar car concept stands as an economically attractive solution for future transport needs in Bangladesh.

References

  • List of studies and papers pertaining to electric vehicles, solar energy, and economic analyses relevant to car design and costing.