HYBRID ELECTRIC POWER USAGE OF THE STC-4 SOLAR ELECTRIC VEHICLE FOR THE BWSC-2023 CRUISER CLASS COMPETITION

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the combined electrical energy consumption of the 4-seat STC-4 solar electric vehicle for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2023 Cruiser Class competition. It utilizes solar energy as an electrical source together with batteries, and to test energy use under actual operating conditions. The body is made of fiberglass with a weight of 2,010 kg for the car. The total weight of the car, including the cargo, is 2,330 kg. It can cover a racing distance that allows battery charging for up to 1,000 km. It uses a brushless direct current electric motor with a power of 12 kW at an electrical voltage of 96 V. The vehicle has 2 wheels and is rear-wheel drive. The power supply section utilizes a single, flexible monocrystalline silicon solar panels with a maximum power ranging of 756 W. The electrical voltage of this solar panel is 79.8 V. It charges an NMC battery with a capacity of 97 kWh, operating at an electrical voltage of 96 V. The test results of using electric power for a motor powered by a combination of batteries and solar cells during the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2023 from the starting point in Darwin to Katherine, a distance of 322 km. The electric power used to drive the motor was 44,554.20 Wh, the electric power used in the solar electric vehicle was 1,032.44 kWh, and the total electric power used was 45,586.64 Wh, which was calculated as electric power consumption from the battery was 42,299.40 Wh and electric power from the solar cell was 3,287.30 Wh, leaving 54,700.60 Wh of electric power in the battery. However, if the electric power from the 42,299.40 Wh battery is used only for the solar electric vehicle driving system, the solar electric vehicle can drive a distance of about 280 km.