Solar panels?

**Ausi319** · 06-30-2008, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by Chairboy

Oh, you want it to move! Ok, sorry 'bout that. The 15 broken solar panels are a good start, consider boosting their power by placing some flashlights on the car that shine directly into them. If you can power the flashlights by hooking them into the generator (an electric motor generates power when it's turned by an outside force, you know, so you could just use a leftover R/C motor as the generator) then it would be a closed cycle and even MORE powerful.

i like that idea

if i would put a chain around the shaft where my wheels are if i would put a gear or something on the end of the motor then when i move it will move...

but then would i just take the + and the - of the motor already on it and just solder that to the battery place and the battery will b there just b charging also?

of how would i use the motor also to generate it?

**Ausi319** · 06-30-2008, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by 2L_SS

Why not use an array of 20-30 mirrors (cheaper than solar cells) mounted on the body of the car. Aim them all at a center focal point, maybe a glass vial filled with water. Then rout 2 lines from the vial to an small steam turbine and condenser. When the sunlight hits the mirrors it will be directed at the vial, causing it to heat up and turn the water into steam. The steam would then travel to the turbine causing it to spin, and exhausting most of it's energy. From the turbine the steam/ water would travel to the condenser and get pumped back into the glass vial. Rinse and repeat, then all you would need is a small generator attached to the turbine : )
But rather than trust all of us why don't you ask this guy. I'm sure he could help you refine your theory.

no there not i can get 20 broken ones for $10 and just make something with them!
and it wouldnt work because my car isnt even 1 foot long

**pshadwick** · 06-30-2008, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Ausi319

i dont think there legal because some of the race is that you slow down for dramatic i guess...

and i race inside. but i dont think it is legal...

the solar panels i would just have on my other hood or something so i can practice for longer!

thats why i want them. and to show friends i'm not completely insane and i can do something with my life.

Solars the way to go. But if you race inside it could be a problem, Can you remove the roof???

**danielkh** · 06-30-2008, 12:44 PM

Ok, you want the battery to last a really long time....

Disconnect the drive motor completely. Remove it. Throw it away. Now attach a mast to the top of the car. Then attach a sail to the mast and connect some rigging to the steering motor. Disconnect from the wheels. Let them freefloat.

Hope for a windy day and learn a trade while you play.

**Chairboy** · 06-30-2008, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by pshadwick

Solars the way to go. But if you race inside it could be a problem, Can you remove the roof???

That's what the flashlights on the car are for, silly.

**Ausi319** · 06-30-2008, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by Chairboy

That's what the flashlights on the car are for, silly.

how can i use the motor to generate it?
what could i hook up to the second motor to generate that motor?

**Tidder** · 06-30-2008, 01:13 PM

flux capacitor. (hell i say!)

**2L_SS** · 06-30-2008, 01:14 PM

Ausi319: Why don't you read this
Just save your money and get some better batteries, or find out the hard way.

**Ausi319** · 06-30-2008, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by 2L_SS

Ausi319: Why don't you read this
Just save your money and get some better batteries, or find out the hard way.

the solar would work. but how would u convert the motor to a generator?
i mean how would u make it spin to power something else

**2L_SS** · 06-30-2008, 01:39 PM

If your referring to "regenerative braking" then read this
Almost all electric motors can be used as a generator. You put electricity in and the armature spins, OR spin the armature and it will generate electricity, BUT it won't do both at the same time.