How to Make a Little Model of a Solar Powered Car
Solar powered model cars have been the subject of classroom projects for many years now, to the point where there are now competitive events held judging their construction. Though it is possible to make a fairly complicated model solar car, the simplest versions require only a few parts, surprisingly few of which are moving parts. You can use almost anything to make the frame of the model car, but strong and lightweight materials usually make the best cars.
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Things You'll Need
- Graph paper
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Cardboard
- Photovoltaic cell
- Insulated copper wire
- 2 small DC electric motors
- Glue
- Duct tape
Instructions
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1
Draw a schematic of how you want the final model car to look, taking materials into account and trying to anticipate the direction of sunlight for the day, time and location you will test your model car.
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2
Draw the outline of the model car's frame as well as the wheels on cardboard, twice for each piece. Cut the traced shapes out of the cardboard using scissors.
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3
Glue each of the doubled pieces together, creating a sturdy single piece. Allow time for the glue to dry as indicated by its directions.
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4
Cut strips of duct tape into more manageable pieces with scissors, placing them overhanging the edge of the desk for later use.
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5
Tape each of the two motors on the back of the narrow side of the main chassis. Tape two of the cardboard wheels onto the drive shafts of the motors, securing them in place as straight as possible. This negates the need for complicated gears.
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6
Strip and cut the insulated copper wire as needed in order to complete the circuit, using the solar cell as the power source. Tape down the wire and the solar cell to the frame, leaving one section of wire unconnected and easily accessible for use as a crude switch.
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Tips & Warnings
You can increase the effectiveness of the solar panel by designing a method to quickly adjust its angle toward the sun. A rudimentary way to do this would be to use cardboard wedges and duct tape immediately before activating the model car.
Electrical connections created by using tape and physical contact can be haphazard. Solder most of the connections instead if possible.
Take care when using scissors to avoid cutting yourself, and never run while holding them.
Solar panels can be pretty fragile, so consider gluing them to a cardboard backboard to prevent them from breaking.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit solar powered car image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
