Fall 2012

The University of Texas Solar Vehicles Team
Fall 2012 Newsletter
In This Issue:
About Us
Page 1
UTSVT
Legacy
Page 2
Samsung
Solorean
Page 3
TexSun
Page 4
Outreach
Page 6
Budget
Page 8
Milestones
Page 9
The Team
Page 10
Sponsorship
Packages
Page 11
Our Sponsors
Page 12
Contact Us
Page 13
About Us
The University of Texas Solar Vehicles Team (UTSVT), was founded
in 1988 with the goal of creating world class solar cars and competing in
rayces all around the country. We have come a long way and are
currently in the process of finishing our fifth car, TexSun, which we
hope to race in the American Solar Race in the coming years.
Our previous car, the Samsung Solorean, was a huge success and we are
very proud of the results. Since 2008, the car has competed in three
rayces and has done respectably well in each one. Now, we use the
Solorean essentially for outreach purposes, which is a major aspect of
our focus. We visit several local high schools and host events on
campus to get school going children interested in science and math
based careers.
Our Mission
We represent The University of Texas at Austin in national
solar car competitions to satisfy our desire to compete, our
passion for engineering, and our interest in developing
environmentally sound methods of transportation.
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Legacy of UTSVT
Texas Native Sun-I
Our team initially started with limited resources,
resulting in bulkier cars. The first car we built
was Texas Native Sun (which was retroactively
called Texas Native Sun-1) and was quickly
followed by Texas Native Sun 2 since there were
quite a few improvements to be made. Our second
car competed in many rayces and placed decently
in many of them. Thereafter, following in the
proud tradition of the first two cars, Solar Steer
was made, but due to a few critical problems this
car was not able to do as well. Finally, the switch
from lead batteries was made and our cars
became considerably lighter with the Samsung
Solorean. This car performed very well in rayces
and is a proud achievement of UTSVT. However,
with time, the need for a new car arose, and that’s
when we decided to build our latest car, TexSun.
TexSun is expected to be completed in the
summer of 2013.
Texas Native Sun-II
Solar Steer
Check out the American Solar
Challenge:
www.AmericanSolarChallenge.org
Samsung Solorean
Our New Car:
TexSun
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Samsung Solorean
The Samsung Solorean is the last functioning car
built by the UTSVT and is one of our proudest
achievements. This car was finished in late 2008,
although it was designed for the North American
Solar Challenge of 2008. It was UTSVT’s leap from
using lead batteries and bulky designs which used to
weigh the car down. Weighing about 600 pounds, the
Solorean was a considerable improvement over its
predecessors which were not as aerodynamic as
Solorean either. It also had several improvements
such as the SunPower A-300 silicon monocrystalline
solar cells for its solar array which outputted
approximately 800 Watts of power. It was also a
consistent performer, and we placed in several
national and regional rayces with it. Most notably, the
Samsung Solorean placed 13th in the 2010 American
Solar Challenge as seen in the picture below; a
victory that cemented UTSVT’s place in American
solar rayces.
Students testing the power output of
the solar panel modules
However, after four years of raycing, the Solorean
had outlived its raycing capability. The batteries
died out and were not competitive for raycing
purposes. The solar panels also started showing
physical damage and as a result, their efficiency
dropped. Apart from needing a new windshield,
epoxy protection repair was required in several
areas due to wear and tear. We also installed a
music system with an iPod docking station.
Essentially, we have now repurposed the
Samsung Solorean as a show car for outreach
events as it was determined the car needed too
many repairs to rayce successfully. Plans were
made to build a new car for rayces starting in
2013 and thus, TexSun was conceived. A lot of
the design ideas from the Solorean were used, and
those which had not proved fruitful were used as
experience.
Samsung Solorean finishing the 2010
American Solar Challenge
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Our New Car: TexSun
Our team has had a lot of great experiences with the Samsung Solorean over the past three years. We have
thoroughly learned the pros and the cons of its design and now as a result we are ready to build a new car.
TexSun’s early design began in the fall of 2010, and we have made significant progress towards the
completion of our new car over the past two years. As with Solorean, most of the design was done using
SolidWorks. However, we have made some fundamental changes to improve the design based on lessons
learned. Our major changes from Solorean include general modularity, an aluminum chassis, and a body
with a detachable array. Our goal weight for TexSun is 350 pounds (without a driver), compared to
Solorean’s weight of approximately 600 pounds.
Our weight goal for TexSun is significantly smaller
than the Samsung Solorean’s, and in order to achieve
this many weight-saving measures had to be taken.
Starting with the chassis, we decided to use 6061
aluminum instead of steel. To meet strength
requirements we need T6 temper aluminum. The
chassis will be TIG welded and then solution heattreated. The resources and expertise of one of our
sponsors, Alfe Heat Treat, have been very beneficial in
the development of our new chassis. For example, we
were concerned that we might need to drill 1/16 inch
holes throughout the chassis to alleviate quenching
problems during heat treatment. However, after Alfe
Heat Treat tested mock-up pieces of the chassis it is no
longer a concern. It is very important that our design
Portion of TexSun’s chassis that has been
meet our safety specifications, not only to keep our
welded together
drivers safe but also to meet the standards set by the
American Solar Challenge.
The airfoil and “skin” of the chassis have been designed to be as optimal as possible by taking into
account aerodynamics properties as well as the necessary functionalities of the car. TexSun’s airfoil will
have an area of 7 square meters. This size has been deemed optimal since the American Solar Challenge
mandates 6 square meters as the maximum allowable solar panel area. We will use Sun Power C-60 Bin J
solar cells, which have 22.5% efficiency. The goal weight for just the body of TexSun is 30-50 pounds.
We will use a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine provided by one of our sponsors (YPS
Facility Services) to make our molds for the body and wing. Styrofoam will be used for the male molds
and fiberglass for the female molds (the Styrofoam is supplied by another one of our sponsors, Power
foam Inc.). We will utilize the vacuum infusion technique with the molds and carbon fiber to construct the
solar car body.
4
Our New Car: TexSun
For TexSun’s mechanical system, we are focusing on a more
lightweight suspension design in order to allow for better handling.
We will include both front and rear brakes (unlike Samsung
Solorean which had redundant front brakes). In addition, TexSun’s
steering will be more agile and we are pushing for an ideal front to
back 60/40 weight distribution and a low center of gravity. For
TexSun, the hub motor will be placed inside the rim of the rear
wheel. A custom motor controller has been designed and built. The
function of the motor controller is to optimize the power output of
our three-phase motor. We are using a 16-inch rim on the motor to
optimize the motor efficiency. We also have the option of using
rims from Solorean or we may purchase custom ones for the front.
TexSun Front Suspension Rocker Arm
Certain components, like batteries and electronics, require containers in
order to mount them inside the solar car. These containers are made of
NOMEX honeycomb for the core and covered with Kevlar to create a
strong, lightweight panel.
Carbon Fiber Seat for Driver
Students Building Composite Panels
We will be using lithium iron phosphate A123 batteries for energy storage. We chose to use this type of
battery due to its high operating temperatures, high energy density, and lightweight properties. Although its
energy density is not as high as lithium ion’s, it is much safer since its chemistry is more stable. Each battery
is 3.6 V and the batteries will be interconnected with sheets of nickel-plated copper to form a 100 V pack.
We are also implementing an advanced battery protection system as required for lithium based batteries. For
the electrical system of TexSun, everything is optimized to minimize weight. For example, we plan on
running fewer wires through the car by using a serial cable versus 12-15 copper wires. Also, the Samsung
Solorean electrical components were spread out throughout the car. Now, we have strategically arranged the
components to fit inside a single electronics box. Finally, we will no longer use a touch screen in TexSun as
part of the driver interfaces. Instead we will use a low power LCD, which will save Watts. In addition, many
controls of the car will be placed on the steering wheel.
5
Outreach
Here at UTSVT, we love to do outreach almost as much as we love to rayce. It is important to us to
give back to the community both here in Austin and at the University. We believe that it is
important to spread the joys of science, engineering, and technology with the community and
especially children. It is our goal to inspire while promoting UTSVT and the engineering program
here at the University of Texas at Austin. Our program not only consists of showing off the
Samsung Solorean, but other interactive activities designed to demonstrate the use of solar power.
Below, children at Austin Earth Science Week Career Fair are playing with our solar-powered toy
cars and observing that more direct sunlight means a faster car!
This fall we had several great outreach events. For example, in October we went to the 13th annual
Austin Earth Science Week Career Fair at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus which brings in around
350 students from the Austin area. This event is designed to promote interest and knowledge of the
earth sciences and its contributions to society. UTSVT was there with the Samsung Solorean and
our ever-popular Thomas the Solar-Powered Tank Engine. More outreach events our team
participated in this year are highlighted on the next page.
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Fall Outreach Events





Austin Earth Science Week Career Fair
UT Family Weekend
Texas Science and Engineering Festival
Barton Creek Elementary Science Day
Samsung Austin Field Trip
Barton Creek Elementary
Students Learning about Solar
Power
Team Members at an
Outreach Event
Solar-Powered Thomas the Train
at Explore UT
Team Picture with the
Solorean at Cirrus
Spring Outreach Events




Showing off the Samsung
Solorean at Explore UT
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Edison
Explore UT
UT MITE Camp
Cirrus Logic
TexSun Budget
As demonstrated in our budget above, building a solar car from the ground up is expensive. In addition,
UTSVT requires additional funding for other aspects associated with raycing. For example, getting to a
rayce itself costs us $24,000, which allows 10 team members to attend. Also, our team puts a lot of
time and resources into outreach and publicity events, which together account for more than $400 of
the budget.
Find out how you can sponsor our
team on Page 11
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Milestones
Trailer Makeover
Our UTSVT Trailer received a much needed
makeover this past year. The faded, peeling
exterior paint needed to be replaced, and our
trailer needed a unique logo to represent our
team. And that is exactly what happened! As you
can see below, our trailer has a brand new coat of
paint and design. This design is centered around
our circuit-inspired Bevo, featured on Page 1 of
this newsletter. Our trailer is ready to hit the road
for rayces and outreach events!
New Website
Over the past year we have developed a new and
improved website. We created it using
Wordpress and it is designed to be user-friendly
and easy for future team members to update.
Our website is a convenient way access up to
date information about our team, past cars,
sponsors, and UTSVT events. Check out our
website at:
www.utsvt.com
On the Horizon
Formula Sun Grand Prix
The Formula Sun Grand Prix is an annual
track raycing event and qualifier for the
American Solar Challenge. The addition of a
race track to Austin is exciting news for
UTSVT. This motor racing circuit, Circuit of
the Americas, was completed in October
2012. It hosted the Formula One United
States Grand Prix on November 8, 2012. If
the Formula Sun Grand Prix is held in Austin
we will use this track!
World Solar Challenge
The team’s ultimate goal is to compete in the World
Solar Challenge held in Australia. This is the most
prestigious solar car rayce in the world and attracts
the best solar car teams from around the globe. The
1,864 mile rayce stretches the length of Australia,
beginning in Darwin and ending in Adelaide. Taking
part is a huge endeavor as transporting cars and
equipment is logistically and financially challenging.
TexSun most likely will not see Australia, however,
each car UTSVT builds is better than the next so we
hope to be there in the future!
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Meet the UTVST Team
Team Members
Jaewon Jang, ECE
Neda Abdul-Razzak, ME
Jae-Min Jo, ECE
Ed Ablan, ECE
Hiren Kapadia, ASE
Oscar Barajas, ECE
Ozair Khan, ECE
Mentors
Pierce Bright, ECE
Sheena Mathew, ECE
Neda Abdul-Razzak, ME
Amanda Boyle, ECE
Thang Ngo, ECE
Amrou Alsharif, ME
Steven Camcacho, ECE
Jimmy Nguyen, ECE
Jason Anthtraper, ECE
Ahmed Chatila, ECE
Simratbir Pannu, ECE
Alex Burgess, ECE
Jun Chen, ECE
Jefferey Peng, ECE
Fred Engelkemeir, ECE
Adam Drith, ME
Sheliz Rais, ECE
Benton Greene, ASE
Charles Douglas III, ECE
Shahid Rojani, ASE
David Leppo, ECE
Joaj Chriteli Do vale, ECE
Ajinkya Savant, ECE
Ryan Ludenmen, ECE
Marina Dultra, ECE
Ethan Schneider, ECE
Raul Molina, ME
Nikita Garg, ECE
Michelle Shu, ECE
Twinkle Pandhi, ECE
Hector Gomez, ECE
Wade Smith, ME
Erica Thorson, ECE
Beichen Guo, ME
Miles Tabibian, ME
Jim Wiley, CS
Sun Ham, ECE
Justin Toombs, ME
Yizhe Han, ECE
Andrea Tosi, ECE
Faculty Advisor
Mario Hayden, ECE
Kush Vaidya, ECE
Gary Hallock
Jr. Elie Honian, ECE
Thu Vu, ASE
Rachel Houston, ECE
Travis Webb,ASE
Alexander Hershey, ECE
Ryan Westerman, ECE
Samaneh Mohandesi, ECE
Eric Weygandt, ECE
Jaewon Jang, ECE
Kevin Woo, ECE
President
Neda Abdul-Razzak, ME
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Sponsorship Packages
Great achievements require great sacrifice. The members of UTSVT all contribute their time and
energy to make a world class solar car, but as with all engineering endeavors, funding is
required to run a project of this scale. We hope that you will sponsor us or donate some amount
to help our carry out this great task. Below are some of our sponsorship packages. Smaller
contributions are also welcome.
Trailer
Logo
Outdoor Banner
"Presents" Notation
UTSVT.com
Logo
"Generously
Supported by" notation
Logo:
Diamond
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
$20,000 and up
$10,000
$5,000
$2,500
$1,000
Large
Medium
Medium
Small
Text
Large
Medium
Small
Text
*
*
*
*
Large (ft)
Medium (ft)
Medium (bk)
Small (bk)
Text (bk)
Medium
Small
Text
*
Text
Text
Medium
Small
Text
Small
Text
*
Large
*
Sponsor Page
Race T-Shirt
Logo (front/back)
Evenet Posters
Logo
Large
Medium
TexSun Car
Logo
2
1
Promotional Brochures
Logo
Front Panel
*
Sponsor Panel
*
*
*
*
Recognition in text
Newsletter
Logo
Cover
*
Sponsor Page
Formal Presentations
UT Display Case in student
space
Plasma Screens
Personal Visit with the solar
car, by request.
Large
Medium
"About" Company
Page
*
*
Recognize in text
*
*
*
Recognize in Remarks
*
*
*
Dedicated slide
Special Thanks to
Sponsors
*
*
*
Logo on Sponsor slide
Large
Medium
Medium
Logo
Large
Medium
Small
Company Information
Large
Medium
Medium
Small
Text
Logo
Large
Medium
Medium
Small
Text
*
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TexSun is well on its way thanks to these donors!
50,000+
50,000+
16,000+
10,000+
5,000+
4,000+
3,000+
1,000+
2,000+
Under 1,000
Baer Engineering
Polymer Dynamics
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Contact Us
Be Our Sponsor!
Like any serious engineering endeavor, the
task of building and raycing solar powered
vehicles requires a vast amount of material
and
financial
resources.
UTSVT
is
not
guaranteed any funding from the University of
Texas at Austin, and therefore operates
solely on the generosity of its corporate and
private sponsors. If you are interested in
supporting our efforts we would love to hear
from you.
 Help us build lighter, faster,
and more efficient solar cars
 Be recognized on our website
and newly repainted trailer
 Help us win rayces
To sponsor our team or for
more information contact Dr.
Gary Hallock:
hallock@ece.utexas.edu
(512) 471-4965
Professor Gary Hallock
The University of Texas At Austin
Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering, Cockrell
School of Engineering
1 University Station C0803
Austin, TX 78712
UTSVT.com
Find us online:
youtube.com/utsvt
facebook.com/utsvt
twitter.com/utsvt
UTSVT.com
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