Howard University has formed a solar vehicle team (HUSVT) for the propose of designing and constructing a solar car to compete in the upcoming Sunrayce 97. The team has been aided and supported by an associated solar car design course. The solar car design course is a multi-disciplinary one, which offers a medium for student interaction with Howard University faculty from the schools of Engineering, Business, and Fine Arts. In this document, we outline HUSVT's organization structure, Sunrayce 97 project plan, technical considerations, and fund raising/ material acquisition campaign.
Sunrayce 97 is Howard University'’s second time in the nation wide solar car competition. This years entry seeks to build on the experience gained during the first year. The objective of this years designs is to produce a car which will simultaneously maximize the performance parameters of speed, range, durability, safety, and energy efficiency. If the team is successful in meeting its objectives, the results will be a competitive race entry.
Based on last years experience, the team has decided to completely redesign its vehicle. We divided the technical phase of the project into two priorities; Conceptualization (Design) and Realization (Build). In the conception phase, hand calculations, computer simulation, models (i.e. clay), industry constraints, faculty, and students were used to create a stable foundation to design the three major sections: Electrical, Mechanical, and Architectural. A brief period of brainstorming during the Spring 96 semester (2 - 3 weeks) was used before looking in on the major design components. Our goal for completion of the design phase was Summer 96. The product of this phase was a E.V. design concept, BiSun 67, that would become Howard University'’s second generation Sunrayce entry.
There were many technical issues and trade offs that had to be addressed before a successful car could be realized. In order to address these issues, we divided the car into the areas and sub-areas listed in Figure 1. It is clear that there is a significant overlap between sub-areas. The Howard University Solar Vehicle Team (HUSVT) is emphasizing a systems approach and there is recognition of the interdependence of the technical issues. One of the successes of last years design was the driver protection scheme for the Break of Dawn. In this scheme a welded space frame of Cr-Mo alloy was constructed. In this years design, this concept has been updated.
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| Space Frame Design #2 |
The second phase is the realization or building phase. In this phase, utilizing the initial car design (Break of Dawn), university facilities, outside resources and contributions, as well as contributions and participation of students and faculty, BiSun 67 will be built according to the protocols developed in the design phase. We hope to complete the building stage by March 1997, in order to have sufficient time for vehicle testing.
Rayce!
The Howard University Solar Vehicle Team (HUSVT) has been structured according to the following guidelines:
To oversee the development of HUSVT'’s Sunrayce 97 vehicle, a project manager position was created. The HUSVT Project Manager'’s duties include but are not limited to the following tasks:
HUSVT's organization shall be defined in the top down manner illustrated in Figure 2.
To provide a means for faculty interaction, mentor ship, and conflict resolution a HUSVT Board was created which is made up of both Howard University faculty members who are involved in the Sunrayce Design Class and HUSVT student members. The HUSVT hierarchy structure is such that the HUSVT Board lies at the same level as the HUSVT Project Manager and offers advice regarding policies which include: goals and project development. The HUSVT Board decisions are made by voice, notes and/or ballot when deemed necessary.