Abstract
A multi-step and -objective design approach was used to optimize the photovoltaic roof in a multi-occupant racing vehicle. It permitted to select the best combination of design features (as shapes, widths, angles) in composite structures simultaneously balancing opposite requirements as static strength and dynamic stiffness. An attention to functional requirements, as weight, solar cells cooling and solar energy conversion, was also essential. Alternative carbon fiber-reinforced plastic structures were investigated by finite elements using static and modal analyses in the way to compare several design configurations in terms of natural frequencies, deformations, flexural stiffness, torsional stiffness, and heat exchange surfaces. A representative roof section was manufactured and tested for model validation. A significant improvement respect to the pre-existing solar roof was detected. The final configuration was manufactured and installed on the vehicle.
Highlights
The design process in engineering is often based on a cyclical path aiming to improve existing solutions
The replacement of the out-of-date photovoltaic photovoltaic panels, as well as changes in the safety structure eliminating the metal roll bar [32], panels, as well as changes in the safety structure eliminating the metal roll bar [32], driven by the need to driven by the need to respect rules of a different race, gave the chance to intervene on the roof through respect rules of a different race, gave the chance to intervene on the roof through this optimization
A photovoltaic roof for solar vehicles was designed following a multi-objective approach in the way to balance divergence structural criteria, as static multi-objective approach in the way to balance divergence structural criteria, as static stiffness and dynamic response, with additional functional targets
Summary
The design process in engineering is often based on a cyclical path aiming to improve existing solutions This step-by-step approach becomes rather complex to be applied when the need exists to consider different optimization criteria at the same time. In the case of a Formula One car [2], for instance, the opportunity to lighten the vehicle comes up against the need to offer higher lift [3] and, requires a proper balance between weights and loads [4] In these terms, the field of solar races is maybe even more interesting, where the power involved is extremely low and the optimization criteria must be even more shrewd [5]
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