Solarpower boat

[fcc]

I am entering a solar boat competition, and i am required to use only the following materials:
-4 x 12% efficiency solar panels,
-block of foam (for hull)
-radio control
-an electric engine with switches
-a propeller shaft and propeller,
-acrylic plastic

http://www.solarchallenge.com.au/

any advice concerning the design or production of this boat would be appreciated.

[Leo Lazauskas]

Originally Posted by fcc

I am entering a solar boat competition, and i am required to use only the following materials:
-4 x 12% efficiency solar panels,
-block of foam (for hull)
-radio control
-an electric engine with switches
-a propeller shaft and propeller,
-acrylic plastic

http://www.solarchallenge.com.au/

any advice concerning the design or production of this boat would be appreciated.

I had a play with solar boar designs back in 1997, however they are probably bigger than what you are looking at. See:

http://www.cyberiad.net/library/mult...lar1/solar.htm

Factoid: The winner of the inaugural solar boat race in Canberra was a cat funded and piloted by Bob Clifford of Incat fame. I think he spent well over $100K on the boat.

Good luck!
Leo.

[Guest625101138]

Make an initial estimate of the weight and power output from the solar cells. Most important thing is weight and power output of the cells.

A long slender hull will work best. It can be stabilised with outriggers.

If you do the above estimates I will take you through the design process that should get close to the optimum result.

Making the ideal prop will take a little skill but not too difficult.

Rick W.