Solar Cells
All ASC 2012 teams must submit a solar cell form. Solar cells must be approved by ASC Headquarters in order to be allowed in the 2012 competition. Solar cell tech reports must be submitted to ASC Headquarters as part of the Vehicle Design Report by October 15th, 2011. If you are considering using solar cells that are not already listed on the approved list, you should submit the approval forms sooner rather than later. If you are considering a few different types of solar cells, remember that you can submit forms for more than one type.
For more information on the vehicle design report, see section 3.5 in the ASC 2012 Regulations.
Email solar cell approval forms to ascregs@americansolarchallenge.org.
The guidelines and forms for 2012 have not been released yet; the forms below are from 2010 but should give you an idea of the information required.
- Solar Array Report Instructions
Solar Array Report - Solar Cell Approval Form
ASC 2012 Solar Cell Approval
Electrical
An overview of the electrical system and a preliminary diagram are both required as part of the Preliminary Vehicle Design Report, due on May 15th, 2011. A full electrical design report is required as part of the Vehicle Design Report due on October 15th, 2011.
- Electrical Drawings:
ASC 2010 Electrical Drawings Specifications – For reference, from ASC 2010
Mechanical
A preliminary overview of the vehicle’s mechanical/structural systems is due on May 15th, 2011. The final report is due by October 15th, 2011.
- Structural Report
Structural Report Instructions – For reference, from ASC 2010 - Preliminary Structural Report
Preliminary Structural Report – For reference, from ASC 2010
Mechanical Design Resources
- Designing Stable Three Wheeled Vehicles
Vehicle Stability - Introduction to Estimating Stresses in Rod Ends
Rod End Calculations
Batteries
A preliminary battery approval form must be sent in with the Preliminary Vehicle Design Report due by May 15th, 2011. Final approval forms must be included in the Electrical Tech Report portion of the Vehicle Design Report due on October 15th, 2011.
- Battery Approval Form
ASC2010 Battery Approval Form – For reference, from ASC 2010
Electrical Design Resources
The following links and documents are not endorsement of manufacture’s components and each team should thoroughly research and test any component before use. It is recommended teams tests all systems of components under “real world” conditions so as to verify immunity to EMI, RFI, power system noise, and temperature. Many factors can effect the performance, accuracy, and reliability of battery protection circuity.