DELL WINSTON SOLAR CHALLENGE

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The Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge was established ten years ago to help motivate students in science and engineering. The Challenge, a part of the Winston School in Dallas, teaches high school students around the world how to build roadworthy solar cars. We then provide a safe environment for them to display their solar cars. On even-numbered years, we share the fun of the world-famous Texas Motor Speedway; on odd-numbered years, the teams drive cross-country to share their projects with millions of people.

 

The 2005 Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge sends teams across the country, racing from Dell Corporate Headquarters in Round Rock, Texas to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.

 

 

 

Route map

 

In 1993, the Winston Solar Car Team launched an education program to teach high school students how to build and safely race roadworthy solar cars. The Winston Solar Education Program met this objective, and works to provide curriculum materials, on-site visits, and workshop opportunities for high schools across the country. This program, a part of The Winston School (Dallas, TX), was designed to motivate students in the sciences, engineering, and technology. The end product of each two-year education cycle is the Winston Solar Challenge: a closed-track event at the world famous Texas Motor Speedway, or a cross country race designed to give students an opportunity to display their work.

 

Race History

  • 1995 Dallas County Race circling

  • 1997 A 600-mile cross country race from Dallas, TX to San Antonio, TX

  • 1998 Closed Track Event at the Texas Motor Speedway

  • 1999 1600-mile cross country race from Dallas, TX to Los Angeles, CA

  • 2000 Closed Track Event at the Texas Motor Speedway

  • 2000 A 1400-mile cross country race from Round Rock, TX to Columbus, IN

  • 2002 Closed Track Event at the Texas Motor Speedway

  • 2003 A 1600-mile cross country race from Round Rock, TX to Cocoa, FL

  • 2004 Closed Track Event at the Texas Motor Speedway

  • 2005 A cross country race from Round Rock, TX to Los Angeles, CA

In The Planning Stage

  • 2006 Closed Track Event at the Texas Motor Speedway

  • 2007 A cross country race from Round Rock, TX to New York

In 2002, Dell Computers accepted the role as “Title Sponsor” for the Winston Solar Challenge. The Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge now hosts annual events based on the support of Dell Computers, The Winston School, The Texas State Energy Conservation Office, and the Texas Motor Speedway. For further information, please refer to http://www.winstonsolar.org

 

 

CONTACT:


Dr. Lehman Marks
Event Coordinator
The Winston School
5707 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX 75229
phone: 214.691.6950
fax: 214.691.1509
email: LehmanM743@AOL.com

 

 

 

Dell Winston Solar Challenge competitor

 

These teams have submitted their application for the 2005 Dell-Winston School Solar Car Challenge, as of June 2005:-

 

CLASSIC CLASS

 

Blazin' Tigers

Stony Point High School
Round Rock, Texas

Captain: Cody Wyatt
Sponsor: James E. McElhanon
Vehicle Name: Solar Tiger I

 

The Chahtas

Choctaw Central High School
Choctaw, Mississippi

Captain: Joey Long
Sponsor: Jason Roberson
Vehicle Name: Tushka Hashi (Sun Warrior)

 

QuikSolar

Walnut High School
Walnut, California

Captain: Elliot Lee
Sponsor: Rod Ulrich
Vehicle Name: Ra

 

Redskins

Saint Johns High School
Saint Johns, Arizona

Captain: Blake Rogers
Sponsor: Bill Bell
Vehicle Name: Aluminator 2

 

Saint Thomas Academy Experimental Vehicle Team

Saint Thomas Academy
Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Captain: Nick DePrey
Sponsor: Mark Westlake
Vehicle Name: TBA

 

Sunshine Mountain Traveler

Ridgway School
Ridgway, Colorado

Captain: Robert Andrews
Sponsor: Criss Bartley
Vehicle Name: Steel Demon IV

 

 

 

 

OPEN CLASS

 

Chamizal Solar Car Team

Escuela Preparatoria "El Chamizal"
Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua
MEXICO

Captains: Rene Fabila & Lorenzo Renteria
Sponsors: Alejandro Martinez & Evangelina Sanchez
Vehicle Name: Apache

 

Houston Solar Race Team

Houston Vocational Center
Houston, Mississippi

Captain: Katie Weaver
Sponsor: Keith Reese
Vehicle Name: Sundancer

 

Newburgh Free Academy Solar Racing Team

Newburgh Free Academy
Newburgh, New York

Captain: Christine Miller
Sponsor: Christopher W. Eachus
Vehicle Name: Sol Machine V

 

 

 

NOTE

 

There is more to solar car racing than just planning and building a solar electric vehicle. The name of the game is strategy. Strategy is getting all aspects of construction to "come together" before a race; strategy is understanding your vehicle through intensive testing prior to the race; strategy is understanding the topographical road conditions along the race course; and strategy is understanding how much "sun" you are going to have along that race course.

 

To this end, an understanding of meteorology is essential. The team that has the best information about opportunities for getting sun can adjust their driving plan to take advantage of these opportunities. For example, during the 1999 Winston Solar Challenge (Dallas to Los Angeles), teams had to cross New Mexico and Arizona during their monsoon season. This is characterized by clouds in the early morning and late afternoon overcast. To be successful, the teams had to realize that they had to limit their running and sun collection to a window of 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Those teams hoping to get late afternoon or early morning sun were soon running on empty.

 

 

 

Sponsors:

 

 

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at www.dell.com.

 

Based in Dallas, Texas, The Winston School is focused on addressing the potential of bright students who learn differently through individualized learning strategies and on preparing graduates for college-level work.

 

Terion, Inc., is a leading wireless data communication and information solution provider for mobile and remote business-to-business applications focusing on the transportation industry.

 

Pitsco, Inc. was founded in 1971 by three industrial arts teachers who realized a need for technical and curriculum support in the industrial arts education field. Since its inception, Pitsco has led the industry in supplying quality technical education equipment and curricula, and look forward to providing teachers with both innovation and commitment into the next century and beyond.

 

Speedway Motorsports, Inc (SMI) is a leading promoter, marketer and sponsor of motorsports activities in the United States. As the owner and operator of Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Infineon Raceway at Sonoma, and Texas Motor Speedway, SMI has one of the largest portfolios of major speedway facilities in the motorsports industry.

 

The Lightner-Sams Foundation of Dallas has generously funded the Internship program. This program allows former Challenge participants to return to the race to help plan, coordinate, and judge the upcoming race, and plan for the future races.

 

The World Solar Challenge dates back to 1987 when 23 solar cars from seven countries embarked on the first event leaving Darwin bound for Adelaide. That first event was an outstanding success and surprised the 'experts' when the race winner, General Motor's 'Sunraycer' averaged nearly 67kph. Today, the World Solar Challenge champions the creative integration of personal development with technical and scientific expertise across a wide range of exciting disciplines. It is truly the brain sport of the 21st century.

 

The Texas Christian University's Information Services Department provides a dedicated web server for displaying photos and videos of the race.

 

The Texas Solar Energy Society is dedicated to educating the public about the use of solar and other renewable energy technologies. The membership includes educators, engineers, researchers, students, bankers, electrical contractors, architects, builders, building inspectors, home owners and solar enthusiasts.

 

The Texas State Energy Conservation Office administers and delivers a variety of energy efficiency and renewable programs which significantly impact energy cost and consumption in the institutional, industrial, transportation and residential sectors.

 

CSGServices, Inc. (CSGS), founded in 2000, is an affiliated for-profit company, offering customized and distinctive energy efficiency alternatives. CSGS's offering covers a broad array of services including appliance procurement and recycling, mechanical engineering, efficient lighting design, thermal shell improvements, HVAC optimization, and energy information systems.

 

Brinker International either owns, operates, franchises, or is involved in the ownership of 1,389 restaurants under the names Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Maggiano's Little Italy, Cozymel's Coastal Grill, Corner Bakery Cafe, Big Bowl Asian Kitchen, and Rockfish Seafood Grill.

 

The minute you walk through the arched doorway, you realize that dining at Romano's Macaroni Grill will be a unique and enjoyable authentic Italian experience. Our passionate chefs prepare more than 35 Italian specialties in exhibition kitchens while guests relax in a casual atmosphere surrounded by attentive servers and an occasional strolling opera singer.

 

In 1999, after careful market research and thorough competitive analysis, a group of the U.S.A.'s top weather researchers and technology innovators formed Weather Decision Technologies, Inc. WDT provides the world's highest resolution, most accurate weather information content to help you make the appropriate decisions to minimize weather-related risk

 

Ryder is a Fortune 500 company providing leading-edge logistics, supply chain, and transportation management solutions worldwide.

 

PSC manufactures quality traffic safety devices including: L.E.D. Traffic Signal Lamps, Speed Monitors/Displays, Message/Information Centers, and Arrow Indicator Boards to name a few.

 

Located in the heart of North Dallas By The Galleria, the Wyndham Dallas North is a 14-floor high rise, surrounded by more than 200 of the Fortune 500 companies.

 

The 71 Jason's Deli Restaurants (mainly in Texas) sell a total of more than 100 items, from salad bar to big, Texas-size sandwiches. They feature New York style deli sandwiches with a down home Texas flair.

 

Orbit One Communications provides satellite communications for the race, allowing race results to be updated instantaneously and keeping race staff informed throughout the race route.

 

Tucked away in the small southwest Missouri town of Cassville, Able 2 Products Company produces lights and sirens under the SHO-ME® brand name. Able 2 Products is generously loaning light bars to every team for use on the lead and chase vehicles.

 

 

 

 

Biloxi Indian Racer

 

 

 

2005 Winston Solar Challenge - RULES

 

1 PURPOSE

 

The Winston Solar Challenge is dedicated to the educational development of science students. On a broader scale, the race objectives are to stimulate interest in technical education, promote the use of renewable sources of energy, and raise public awareness of these issues.

2 ADMINISTRATION

 

2.1 Application of Regulations - The regulations will apply to the Winston Solar Challenge, hereinafter referred to as the "event."

2.2 Effective Date of Regulations - The regulations become effective when issued in final form on May 27, 2005.

2.3 Right to Revise Regulations - The sponsor, as defined in section 2.5 below, reserves the right to revise these regulations at any time by providing the participant written notice of the revisions in the form of Race Updates.

2.4 Acceptance of Regulations - All persons or groups selected to participate in the event are assumed to know the regulations. Their participation in the event will constitute acceptance.

2.5 Sponsor - The primary sponsor of the event is The Winston School, 5707 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229.

2.6 Selection of Race Officials - The sponsor will select race officials for this competition. These officials will be instructed in and be responsible for specific duties.

2.7 Authority of Officials - Winston Solar Challenge Officials will have the authority and responsibility to apply these regulations.

3 ENTRIES

 

3.1 Selection of Entries - Entries for the event are selected through a proposal system consisting of the evaluation of the application submitted by teams desiring to participate. The sponsor will select up to twenty proposals total from the classic and open divisions to participate in the event. The sponsor will also select up to 5 proposals from the demonstration division to participate in the event.

3.2 Teams and Drivers - Any number of people may act as the race team, however, during the event, it is suggested that a manageable core team of approximately twelve members be designated as "the race team."

3.3 Team Provisions - During each Winston Solar Challenge, special meal opportunities are provided to the teams in the form of Open and Closing Banquets and one meal per day. The WSC will provide each team with identification tags and meal tickets for up to 12 team members and 2 chaperons per team. Larger teams must make reimbursement arrangements with the sponsor prior to arriving in Dallas. A special water facility will be provided to the teams at the race start, required stops, impound, and qualifiers. All other water requirements must be supplied by the teams.

3.4 Makeup of Teams - Teams, including drivers, will consist of high school students in grades 9-12. Twelfth grade includes the summer following the student's last year in high school. Team members must be from the same school district.

3.5 Qualifiers - Each team must successfully participate in a qualifier before they will be allowed to compete in the main event. Qualifiers will be held the day immediately preceding the race, as specifically announced in the Appendix. The qualifier will hereinafter be referred to as "scrutineering."

Teams must also go through a pre-scrutineering process in June. Teams must make arrangements with the race staff for a visit to inspect their solar car. Teams will be required to present a 20-minute oral presentation to the race staff. Teams must also submit updated application and documents as specified in section 3.6

3.6 Data Sheets - Each team must submit data sheets no later than April 1st of the year in which they intend to race. The sheets must include all vehicle specifications including weight, dimensions, motor type, solar cell type, solar array power output, battery type and capacity, braking systems, and wheel type. All crew members, designated drivers, and faculty advisors must also be listed. The information from the data sheets will provide the basis for selection of event participants, and will appear in the Official Race Booklet.

Five additional documents must accompany the Data Sheets:

 

(1) Complete, detailed drawing(s) showing the mechanical structure of the vehicle. This should be drawn with a drafting program such as AutoCAD for clarity and is not limited to one page. The drawing(s) must include crush zones, frame structure, and overall dimensions in three views (front, side, top). A final updated drawing must be submitted upon check in to the event if there has been any design changes since the first drawing was submitted.

(2) A complete, detailed schematic showing the electrical layout of the vehicle. This schematic must include but does not need to be limited to all the wiring for the propulsion, solar, instrument, and battery systems. A final and current schematic must be submitted upon check in to the event.

(3) A team photo, in color, at least 5 X 7 inches in size. The photo must clearly show the solar car and team members.

(4) Manufacturer's data sheets for the propulsion system batteries, including, but not limited to voltage per battery, capacity per battery, weight of each battery, and proof that batteries are lead-acid.

(5) Manufacturer's data sheets for the solar cells you intend to use, including, but not limited to the size of each solar cell, the efficiency rating, the number of watts per cell, and the list price of each solar cell.

Teams will forfeit $100 of their refund [See Section 10.3] for failing to supply a complete, detailed drawing showing the mechanical structure of the vehicle, and an additional $100 for failing to supply a complete, detailed schematic showing the electrical layout of the vehicle. Lack of detail or failure to supply a document may also result in teams forfeiting part of their refund.

3.7 Changing Entry Data Sheets - Entrants may change the data presented on their Data Sheets [See Section 3.6] up to the scheduled time of scrutineering, however, changes after June 1st may not appear in the Official Race Booklet.

3.8 Vehicle Design and Construction - It is the intent of the event that the solar cars be designed and constructed by high school students. The major components of the vehicle (frame, body, solar array, battery compartment, motor mount, drive system, electrical system, suspension, running gear, and lighting system) must be designed and constructed completely by the students. Off the shelf components (e.g., wheel hubs, brake calipers, power trackers, motors, motor controllers, suspension/steering components, wheels, etc.) may be used as long as the selection of these components was made exclusively by the students. Teams can receive contributions of off-the-shelf components from other solar teams.

The students may seek the advice of engineers or other design consultants. Parts may be fabricated by specialty shops (for welding, machining, etc.) as long as the students specify what the specialty shop is to do, through drawings or specification sheets prepared by the students. However, it is the spirit of the event to learn how to build a solar car, and it is recommended that students perform whatever tasks they can to construct the solar car on their own. During scrutineering, judges will strenuously question the students to determine compliance with this rule.

 

 

 

Apache

4 OFFICIAL RACE COURSE

 

The Official Race Course on even-numbered years will be the Texas Motor Speedway. The Official Race Course for odd-numbered years will be announced in the Appendix to these Rules.

5 SOLAR CAR REGULATIONS

 

5.1 Solar Car Dimensions - All solar cars entered will have the following maximum dimensions: length = 5 meters; height = 1.6 meters; width = 1.8 meters. Minimum height is 1 meter. When turning corners, wheels and wheel fastenings may exceed these dimensions. A height exception will only be granted to antennas.

Solar cars entered in previous events may continue to participate until the 2007 race year, so long as the overall solar car dimensions and solar array dimensions have not changed.

5.2 Structure - Safety is the Sponsor's primary concern with regard to the structural development and fabrication of the solar cars.

Insufficient regard for structural safety will result in disqualification from the event during scrutineering. In specific, judges will require teams to show a specific crush zone designed to help protect the driver in the event of collision. Teams not being able to demonstrate a specific crush zone will receive a significant penalty and risk possible disqualification from the race.

Crush zone is defined as an area of the car designed to collapse in an effort to absorb some of the impact from a collision without impacting the driver space. A crush zone must be considered for frontal, side, and rear collisions. Therefore, the driver, when seated, must have a minimum of 15 cm of horizontal distance from his or her shoulders, hips, and feet to the inside of the most exterior structural frame member.

5.2.1 Stability - To ensure stability under various road conditions, the vehicle must employ either a three or four wheel design. If a three wheel design is used, the WSC strongly suggests that the single wheel should be in the rear of the vehicle, with two wheels in front. During scruntineering, cars must demonstrate the stability of the vehicle. Either the front or rear wheel(s) or both may be powered, and either the front or rear wheel(s) may be used to steer the vehicle.

5.2.2 Body of the Vehicle - Although windshields are required, solar cars need not have a body or covering unless the race judges determine that the driving of that vehicle would be unsafe and/or create an unreasonable risk of harm to the driver.

5.2.3 Roll Cage - All solar cars must be equipped with a roll cage that encompasses the entire driver. The roll cage shall be a fixed, integral part of the solar car structure. The protection provided for the driver in a collision must be documented in the team's mechanical drawings. In addition to providing collision and rollover protection, the roll cage must be designed so as to deflect body/array panels of the car away from the driver in the event of an accident.

5.2.3.1 Minimum Dimensions - The roll cage tubing must have a minimum outside diameter of 1.9 cm. There must be at least 5 cm of clearance in all directions between the roll cage and the driver seated in the normal driving position.

5.2.3.2 Waivers - Teams wanting to use alternate dimensions must submit a waiver request to Race Officials before April 1. The waiver request must document what materials will be used and how these materials afford equivalent protection for the driver. A detailed mechanical drawing (in three views) must be included, showing the dimensions, material, and location of the roll cage members. No waivers will be granted by Race Officials after June 1.

Waiver requests may be electronically submitted to Race Officials, so long as the request is saved in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format and the mechanical drawing is saved in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Adobe PDF format. Waiver requests may also be submitted by sending four copies of the request and mechanical drawing by mail to Race Officials.

5.2.4 Roll Bar - The roll bar is the structural frame member that extends above the driver’s head, protecting the driver in the event of a roll-over. All solar cars must be equipped with a roll bar that is welded to the frame. The roll bar must also be a fixed, integral part of the frame and cannot be removed.

5.2.4.1 Minimum Dimensions - The roll bar tubing must have a minimum outside diameter of 5 cm. It must also have a minimum wall thickness of 1.0 mm for chromoly steel, 1.5 mm for carbon steel, and 3.2 mm for aluminum.

5.2.4.2 Waivers - Teams wanting to use alternate materials or dimensions must submit a waiver request to Race Officials before April 1. The waiver request must document what alternate materials will be used and how these materials afford equivalent protection for the driver. A detailed mechanical drawing (in three views) must be included, showing the dimensions, material, and location of the roll bar. No waivers will be granted by Race Officials after June 1.

Waiver requests may be electronically submitted to Race Officials, so long as the request is saved in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format and the mechanical drawing is saved in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Adobe PDF format. Waiver requests may also be submitted by sending four copies of the request and mechanical drawing by mail to Race Officials.

5.3 Power - Global solar radiation received by the car directly from the sun is the only power source that will be used for propulsion.

5.3.1 Solar Cell and Array Size Limitations - Only terrestrial-grade solar cells will be allowed, except for the provisions set out in Section 12. The solar array may be configured in any way, provided that it lies within the maximum dimensions of the solar car.

When stationary, the solar array may have any orientation. The solar array must remain mounted on the outside of the vehicle, except as provided in Section 5.19; the solar array cannot be dismantled and carried inside the vehicle.

The solar array cannot be reconfigured without specific written permission of the Race Officials. Reconfiguration is defined as changing the position or orientation of any portion of the array. Changing the position or orientation of the entire array, when stationary, is not considered reconfiguration. When stationary, the array may exceed the maximum height of the solar car so long as the array is not reconfigured.

No reflector-type device can be used to enhance the collection capacity of the panel. All leads extending from the solar array must be properly protected to eliminate shock hazards.

Solar cars entered in previous events may continue to participate until the 2007 race year, so long as the overall solar car dimensions and solar array dimensions have not changed.

5.3.2 Measuring the Array - The area of the solar array will be calculated by measuring the length and width from the outside edges of the active part of the solar cells. Spaces or gaps between the cells will be included in the total area.

Solar cars entered in previous events may continue to participate until the 2007 race year, so long as the overall solar car dimensions and solar array dimensions have not changed.

5.3.3 Supplemental Batteries - All solar cars must be equipped with supplemental batteries to power solar car accessories, such as, but not limited to, radios, electronic speedometers, cameras, memory devices, computers (only if used for data gathering and not to control the vehicle systems), and telemetry transmission, and they must be totally isolated from the propulsion system of the solar car. The main battery pack may not be used to power anything other than propulsion devices.

5.3.3.1 Battery Type - There are no regulations limiting the type, voltage, or weight of supplemental batteries.

5.3.3.2 Low Battery Warning System - The supplemental batteries powering the following equipment: (1) lights; (2) horn; and (3) battery box air circulation fans, must be equipped with a low voltage warning system that will aggressively warn the driver when the supplemental battery pack is getting low.

5.3.3.3 Enclosure - Supplemental batteries must be properly secured to the solar car’s frame. If sealed batteries are not used, the supplemental batteries must be enclosed in a battery box that is separate from the main battery pack.

5.3.3.4 DC-DC Converters - Solar car accessories may not be powered by the main battery pack using DC-DC converters.

5.4 Motors/Gear Ratios/Tires - There are no regulations limiting the selection of motors, tires, or gears on solar cars. It has been noted, however, that tires undergo greater wear on their sides during the closed-track events as compared to the cross-country events. This unusual wear can be attributed to the slant of the closed track.

5.5 Storage of Solar Radiation - All solar cars in the event will be allowed to store solar-generated energy.

5.5.1 Battery Type - In the interest of cost and standardization, only rechargeable, commercial production, lead-acid batteries are permitted. The total weight of the batteries (alone) can not exceed 275 pounds. There is no limit applied to system voltage, number of cells, or modules.

5.5.1.1 Battery Weight Penalty - Teams that exceed the weight limitation will be penalized 2.5 miles per pound over the 275 pound limit.

5.5.2 Battery System - The main battery pack must be fully contained in enclosures that can be sealed by race officials (thus sealing the batteries). A hasp latch for the battery enclosure will assist race officials in complying with this section of the rules. Battery enclosures will be equipped with a forced air ventilation system, which must operate whenever the battery system is electrically connected to the solar car. Such ventilation system must exhaust to the exterior of the solar car. All electrical cables must be properly sized to expected system currents. Teams that choose to power their venting fans from a supplemental battery must comply with the requirements set out within section 5.3.3.

A battery enclosure is defined as a rigid box-like structure that provides protection and stability to the battery system in the event of collision. Battery bag devices are not appropriate. The battery enclosure must be secured to the chassis of the vehicle.

5.5.3 Main Fuse - A separate fuse (not a circuit breaker) will be placed in series with the main battery. The fuse's rating will not exceed 200% of the maximum expected current draw. All low voltage taps from the main battery will be separately fused. All fuses must be placed first in series with the battery starting at the positive connection.

5.5.4 Array Disconnect - The solar charging system will be equipped with a manually operated high current switch to quickly disconnect the solar array from the main battery pack. The array disconnect must directly interrupt the current from the array to the battery and must be capable of carrying and interrupting the peak array current. This device will not operate a separate contact, relay, or solenoid switch.

The switch must be clearly labeled in 10mm-high letters as the "Array Disconnect" and be plainly marked (10mm-high letters) with "ON" and "OFF" positions.

The switch must physically be located as near to the battery pack as practical and be operable from outside the solar car. This means that the canopy or motor compartment does not have to be opened first to activate the disconnect.

When both the array disconnect and the motor disconnect are thrown, the solar array, main battery pack, and motor must be disconnected from each other.

5.5.5 Motor Disconnect - Solar cars must have a "kill" switch wired to disconnect all power to the motor. The motor disconnect must directly interrupt the current through the motor and must be capable of carrying and interrupting the full load motor current.

The switch must be clearly marked in 10mm-high letters as the "Motor Disconnect," and be within easy reach from both the driver's position and from outside the solar car. The switch must be plainly marked (10mm-high letters) with "ON" and "OFF" positions.

The motor disconnect must be separate from the array disconnect. This device will not operate a separate contact, relay, or solenoid switch.

In the case where a brushless DC motor is used, the motor disconnect switch may be placed in the main DC current loop supplying power to the motor controller, or alternatively, at least two of the three main leads between the controller and the motor must be interrupted by the motor kill switch.

Two switches wired directly in series may be used so that one of the switches is within easy reach from the driver's position and the other switch is within easy reach from the outside of the solar car. If two switches are used, each switch must be able to interrupt full load current.

When both the array disconnect and the motor disconnect are thrown, the solar array, main battery pack, and motor must be disconnected from each other.

5.5.6 Electrical System Grounding - The main battery pack or any propulsion system components may not be grounded to the solar car’s frame. The supplemental battery pack may be grounded to the solar car’s frame, but is discouraged by Race Officials.

5.5.7 Assistance Devices - Any device used to assist the start, stop, or powering of a solar car must be carried on the solar car and must be a permanent part of the electrical system. Once the race has started, teams will not be allowed to plug any devices into the solar car except telemetry equipment and multimeters.

5.6 Seating Position - All seating must position the occupant's head higher than his or her feet. No head-first positioning will be allowed for the driver.

5.7 Visibility - In the normal driving position, each driver's eyes must be a minimum of 70cm above the ground.

5.7.1 Forward Visibility - From the position identified in section 5.6, above, all drivers must be able to see, without artificial assistance: (1) a point on the ground 8 meters in front of the solar car; and (2) a minimum of 10 degrees above the horizon on level ground.

5.7.2 Side Visibility - From the position identified in section 5.6, above, all drivers must be able to see, without artificial assistance, 90 degrees to either side at all times. This must be essentially unobstructed by the solar car structure. The intent is for the driver to see oncoming traffic, left and right.

5.7.3 Rear Visibility - All solar cars must be equipped with a rear vision system that will allow the driver to see a vehicle 15 meters directly behind the solar car, as well as see vehicles 45 degrees in each direction approaching from the rear. If an electronic rear vision system is used, it must operate whenever the solar car is operating under its own power.

5.8 Braking - The intent of the Sponsor is to require that solar cars be capable of braking and coming to a safe stop based upon road and traffic conditions. To this end, solar cars will be equipped with two separate, independent braking systems. This means that there must be two separate hand or foot pedals (one for each braking system) and that each is connected to a different actuating device. Regenerative brakes are not considered a separate, independent braking system for consideration in this rule.

During scrutineering, solar cars will be required to demonstrate their braking capability at both 20 mph and at the vehicle's maximum speed.

5.8.1 Low Speed - At 20 mph, the driver must be able to bring the vehicle to a safe, controlled stop in no more than 2.5 seconds.

5.8.2 High Speed - At the vehicle's maximum speed, the driver must be able to bring the vehicle to a safe, controlled stop without drifting out of the appropriate lane of travel, and within a reasonable time frame based on that vehicle's maximum speed.

5.9 Turning Radius - Solar car wheels must be able to make a U-turn in a 15-meter wide lane.

5.10 Warning Systems

5.10.1 Lighting - Solar cars must have stoplights, front and rear turn indicators, and hazard lights visible from 30 meters away. The geometric visibility of each light should be 45 degrees from center and 15 degrees up and down. Teams will receive a "moving violation" for each incidence of non-working lights. Once the team is notified by a race official that they have a non-working light, they must safely remove themselves from the race and make the necessary repairs.

5.10.2 Audible Warning - Drivers must be able to give audible warning to pedestrians and other vehicles using a horn rated at greater than 92 decibels. If the horn is located inside the passenger compartment, it must be properly secured prevent injury during a collision.

In closed-track races, the horn must be sounded when a solar car attempts to overtake and pass another vehicle.

5.11 Driver Safety - Teams must take whatever steps necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the drivers. Driver safety measures include, but are not limited to:

5.11.1 Safety Belts - Solar cars must be equipped with a minimum of a three-point lap and shoulder belt. The use of safety belts is mandatory at any time the vehicle is moving. The belts must be attached securely to a structural component or main frame member of the solar car. The harness must be attached with bolts at least grade 8 and 3/8" in diameter.

5.11.2 Impact Protection - The driver compartment must be equipped with structural components that help protect the driver from vehicle roll-over, or from front or side impacts, in compliance with Rule 5.2 (above).

5.11.3 Protection from Vehicle Components - All equipment housed within the vehicle must be adequately secured to the main frame to prevent the shifting of that equipment during an impact. Special emphasis is placed on securing the batteries due to their weight and potential for environmental damage.

5.11.4 Windshield - All solar cars will utilize windshields at all times to protect the driver from road hazards.

5.11.5 Cockpit Egress - The driver must be able to demonstrate that unassisted egress can be achieved in less than 15 seconds in the event of an emergency. The "exit process" will be carefully checked by race officials during scrutineering. Other team members can not assist the driver during this required "exit process."

5.11.6 Fire Extinguishers - Cockpits must be equipped with a fire extinguisher which can be easily reached by the driver in the event of an emergency. Chase vehicles must also be equipped with a fire extinguisher.

5.11.7 Liquid Container - Cockpits must be equipped with a plastic liquid container filled with water, which can be easily reached by the driver.

5.11.8 Belly Pan - The cockpit must be equipped with a full belly pan to isolate the driver from the road.

5.11.9 Ultimate Driver Safety - Each team must recognize that the ultimate responsibility for driver safety rests with the individual solar teams and not with the Winston Solar Challenge, or its officials.

5.11.10 Air Circulation - Forced air ventilation must be provided for the solar car's driver. This is particularly important for the health and safety of the driver while the vehicle is powered but not in motion. Power for this system can come from a supplemental battery. This requirement applies whether or not the driver's compartment is enclosed or open.

5.11.11 Driver Seat - When the driver is seated in the normal driving position, the driver’s seat must provide back and neck support for the driver, such that whiplash will be minimized in case of an accident or sudden stop.

5.12 Throttle - Accelerator mechanisms on solar cars must be free moving and when released, must return to the zero current position. If the solar car is equipped with cruise control, it must be designed with an automatic shut-off when the brake is activated.

5.13 Covers and Shields - The solar car's revolving parts must be suitably covered to prevent accidental contact. All steering linkage must be shielded from the contact of the driver. If a flywheel is used, it must be covered by a National Hot Rod Association-approved shield.

5.14 Electrical Shock Hazards - All conductors must be properly insulated. All conductors operating at greater than 36 volts must be marked with "High Voltage" warning signs. All un-encapsulated solar cells and panels must be marked with "High Voltage" warning signs.

All leads extending from the solar array must be properly protected to eliminate accidental shock hazards resulting from participants or bystanders coming in contact with these leads.

Encapsulation is defined as any covering designed to protect the solar cells and prevent shock hazards. This includes, but is not limited to, glass, plastic, resins, and acrylic coverings.

Race Officials strongly suggest the following steps to improve safety:

(1) When working with the battery box, be sure that you only use one hand, and that the other hand is kept behind your back. In the event of an electrical shock, the charge will not pass through the entire body.

(2) When working with the battery box, be sure to use rubberized tools to insulate against the possibility of electrical shocks.

(3) Students working in the battery box require continuous supervision by teacher/sponsors.

(4) When working with the battery box, be sure to wear eye protection (a full face shield is best) to protect against battery explosions caused by sparks or arcing.

5.15 Radios - Solar cars must be equipped with a two-way radio to allow communication with the chase vehicle. Teams must demonstrate during scrutineering that the transmission from the solar car can be received at a distance of at least 0.5 miles. If a radio system "goes down" during a racing event, drivers must immediately withdraw from the race until repairs are made. The clock continues to run during these repairs.

Judges will make every effort to ensure that a team's radio communications will remain private, unless there is a safety issue involved.

5.17 Fasteners - All fasteners associated with the vehicle's suspension, steering, brakes, seat belts, battery chassis, and drive train must be equipped with locking nuts, double nuts, or nuts secured with safety wire or cotter pins. Loctite may be used in areas of difficult accessibility.

5.18 Graphics

5.18.1 Inappropriate Graphics - The race organizer reserves the right to disapprove any graphic it deems offensive.

5.18.2 Sponsored Graphics - Teams must reserve a space 4 x 8 inches on each side of the solar car for sponsored graphics.

5.19 Umbilical Cord - To position a solar car's solar array in a favorable position for charging, an umbilical cord may be used. This cord must be no longer than 3 meters, and must be carried on the solar car.

The purpose of the umbilical cord is to provide the racing participant the means to keep the array electrically connected to the vehicle, though physically removed from the vehicle to receive more favorable sunlight.

 

 

 

6 NATURE OF THE EVENT

 

In even-numbered years, the event will consist of a multi-day closed track race. Teams will cover the same course each day with the same specific start and finish line at the Texas Motor Speedway. The team that completes the most miles during the race will be declared the winner. The details of even-numbered year events will be spelled out in Rules Updates for that specific year's event.

On odd-numbered years, the event will consist of a cross-country race. Teams will race three days, rest one day, and race an additional 3-4 days. The team with the most miles over the course of the race will be declared the winner. The details of odd-numbered year events will be spelled out in Rules Updates for that specific year's event.

 

7 DATES AND LOCATIONS

 

7.1 Race Events - Teams will be required to take part in all special race events and activities as set out in the Rules Updates, including all scheduled pre-race and post-race events. Additional events may be added to this list. Teams will be notified at Team Check-In which precedes the Opening Banquet. Teams failing to participate in all events and activities may be disqualified from the race.

7.2 Items Provided by the Winston Solar Challenge

7.3 Items Provided by WSC Entrants - All items not specifically enumerated in Section 7.2 (above) will be provided by entrants, unless set out in Rules Updates. Teams must remember to provide driver's licenses for designated Team Drivers, as well as Proof of Vehicle Liability