Design of a Solar Powered Car (Electrical Car), Feasibility and Sustainability in Nigeria Using Imo State Polytechnics Umuagwo Site as a Case Study

Abstract

The Design of a Solar Car was carried out, and its reality, feasibility, and workability in Nigeria were visualized. The sustainability was carried out by accessing and quantifying the optimal solar radiation in Nigeria using Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo Ohaji, Imo State site as a case study. The Solar radiation on a horizontal plan and an inclined plan was calculated and quantified and their various values were compared and it was discovered that the radiation on an inclined plan was higher. The optimal mean monthly global radiation was calculated and adopted.

Due to the constant dynamic nature of a car, the optimal mean monthly daily average tilt angle was calculated and adopted as 15.39⁰. The optimal mean monthly average daily tilt angle was used in the design of the car roof, such that the solar panel mounted on it will be inclined at 15.39⁰ to ensure the maximum hardness of the optimal solar radiation. The solar energy generated is connected to the batteries via the solar charging controller. The battery connects two 12v by 100Am batteries in series. The batteries generate electric current to the D.C motor connected to the car gear through a pulley system mechanism. The gear powers and controls the movement of the car to any location.