Outline
This section covers the basics of how a solar car's electrical system and how we've approached these challenges. This includes:
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- Solar
- Photovoltaic (PV) array: Collects energy from the sun and is our primary source of power
- Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT): Maximizes the array's output and matches the battery voltage
- Motor System
- Motors: Generally special high-efficiency direct-drive brushless DC (BLDC) motors; responsible for actually moving the car
- Motor Controllers: Generates the electrical pulses in the correct order required to drive the motors
- Precharge Controllers: Precharges and discharges the capacitors in the motor controllers to prevent arcing and shocks
- HV Battery
- Battery Pack: Stores and outputs energy; extremely dangerous
- Battery Management System (BMS): Monitors the voltage, temperature, and current of the battery pack, ensuring that it stays within safe operating ranges
- Power Distribution: Handles low-voltage (LV) and high-voltage (HV) power rails; responsible for ensuring power is distributed properly and safely
- Driver Controls
- Lights: Handles all lights in and on the car
- Driver Input: Reads switches, buttons, and pedals and notifies the appropriate system
- Dashboard: Displays information for the driver such as speed and battery status
- Controller Area Network (CAN) bus: Automotive communication protocol; the network that systems communicate with each other over
- Telemetry: Collects and transmits data from the car to an external receiver for remote monitoring
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