We are building an energy-storing solar car
Pass of the hour
Mida me siin õpetame

How to use your knowledge of electric current and circuits to solve practical problems. How to describe solar panels in a way that allows you to understand the issues that arise when using them. What characteristics of light and light sources are important for solar cars.

Learning path

Learning focus

Application of physics in solving practical problems.


Metoodilised juhised

To carry out this work, only the tools of the mechanics test kit are not enough. In addition, you need a tester, wires and crocodiles to use the tester, and various light sources, including a powerful incandescent lamp, if delivered indoors.

A solar car can also be built purely for scientific interest education, by assembling a car from blocks and experimenting with it. If the goal is also to consolidate and apply physics knowledge, those worksheets that talk about circuits and measuring voltage and current should also be thought through and done. In this case, the amount of material corresponds to an even hour.

In principle, students could also invent their own construction by providing them with a larger number of blocks to use. However, in order for students to be able to try out, for example, how the position of the solar panel affects the operation of a solar car, the basis could be the car with the energy storage and adjustable angle solar panel described in the worksheets.


Warm-up

Solaride is building ... what?

Why build solar cars? Why aren't there already many of them everywhere? Why is it necessary to organize competitions to build them, such as the one in which the Solaride car, built in Estonia and shown in this picture, also participates?
What a solar car "does"

What does a solar car do?

Think about what it takes to build one solar car. Draw a picture showing all the most important parts of a solar car.

What a Solar Panel "Does"

No need to, you have to start with simple things. Because physics also looks for solutions when starting from the simplest. Let's recall what electric current and circuit are.

Electric current and circuit

Learn the concepts of electric current and circuit. Answer the question.

Circuits usually do not have light bulbs and batteries. The solar car is powered by a solar panel. And if we use an LED lamp instead of an incandescent lamp, we get the first experience of success - we turn on the LED lamp.

The solar panel turns on the LED lamp

Build a circuit so that the solar panel turns on the LED lamp. Answer the question.

What about the electric motor?

Build a circuit so that the solar panel can drive an electric motor. Answer the question.

Why the electric motor does not rotate: voltage

Measure the maximum voltage generated by the solar panel and compare it to the voltage required to run the electric motor.

Why the motor does not turn: current strength

Compare the maximum current produced by the solar panel with the current required to start the electric motor. Draw conclusions.

We are looking for suitable additional lighting

Turn on additional lighting. Try it, now have more luck getting the electric motor to work? Answer the question.

Let's build a solar car

Let's build a solar car

Assemble a solar car. Make sure it works.
We equip the solar car with storage devices

A supercapacitor stores and delivers energy

Cool two series capacitors and use them to start an electric motor. Answer the question.

How is it possible to charge supercapacitors with a battery

Consider and, if necessary, test the idea that supercapacitors can also be charged with a battery. Answer the question.

Shade-proof solar car power source

How to upgrade your electric car so that it also moves in the shade? Check out the wiring diagram. Try it out in the test. Answer the question.

Outside in the sun?

If at all possible, show the sun on the solar car you built.