Abstract

The performance capabilities which hold the key acceptance of a solar powered vehicle
includes range and acceleration. Range of the solar powered vehicle can be enhanced through
various means such as regenerative braking or by increasing the size of the batteries and by
doing so it increases the range but deteriorates the performance of the vehicle due to
increased weight. If the solar powered vehicle is to be accepted on the larger scale, then the
range anxiety and the acceleration of the vehicle must be improved.
The aim of this study is to determine the acceleration and the range of solar powered vehicle
by making use of simulations and identify the parameters affecting them. Objectives were set
which involved carrying out through literature review on battery technology, motor
technology, driving cycles as wells battery discharging process.
The research questions are answered through simulations which involves electing a suitable
driving cycle, constructing it and analysing the behaviour of the vehicle throughout the cycle.
It also involves developing mathematical equations using vehicle parameters and expressing
the equations in the form of finite difference method. Based on the simulations and
calculations it was found that the behaviour of the battery played a key role. The results
indicate that the solar power vehicle exhibits considerable range and performance but need
certain modifications.
On this basis, it was found that the motor power is not the same throughout the process and
the electrical energy required by the motor is greater than mechanical output power and this
causes delay in the vehicle to achieve maximum performance levels and battery discharge
currents must be operated in an efficient manner. Future research work could be undertaken
to implement contour positioning system to predict the range and the simulations carried out
must take thermal characteristics of the battery into account .