Articles and Technical Papers

Solar Powered Car

Power of One traverses the continent with performance data communicated via DATA-LINC's 802.11b modems

Since 2004, DATA-LINC has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Power of One, Marcelo da Luz's independent, environmentally-focused, solar car project. The development, testing and on-the-road monitoring requires that critical performance data be collected from the solar car and its support vehicles — temperature, power status, energy consumption, and the like. DATA-LINC has continued to be selected to provide the data communication component of the project because of its proven record of superior performance, even in harsh environments.

Power of One and the FLC810E+ meet the challenges of broad temperature ranges, operating in bitter cold to desert heat.

Rated at up to 6 miles (10 km) with unobstructed line-of-sight (farther using Repeaters), the FLC810E+ is ideal for wireless Ethernet communications in challenging environments. The FLC810E+ is housed in a sturdy steel enclosure with an optional DIN rail clip for mounting. It is designed for harsh environments and has an extended operating temperature of -40° to 150°F (-40 to +65°C).

While crossing the country the solar car covered 33 states and stopped or passed by over 300 towns.

Power of One Specifications

Vehicles mass	~300kg (with driver)
Occupants	1 (driver)
Car Length	5.0m
Car Width	1.8m
Car Height	0.90m
Ground clearance	0.40m
Weight distribution	65% front, 35% rear	Power control- dead man switch	Active power control (no cruise control for safety)
Wheel track	1.2m	Mechanical brake (front)	Hydraulic disc brakes
Wheelbase	2.0m	Electrical brake (rear)	Regenerative braking (motor)
Wheel configuration	3 (two front, one rear)	Battery mftr, chemistry, capacity	EP Kokam, Li-Lon Polymer, each cell 3.7V-40Ah (27 cells)= 3.996Kwh
Wheel design & mftr, material	XOF1 custom, aluminium	Battery Pack Voltage	96V
Tire model, inflation pressure	SLR93, 90PSI, IRC (rolling resistance ~ 2.5kg per 1,000kg)	Battery monitoring system (BMS)	XOF1 custom
Chassis construction	Polyurethane foam covered in Fiberglas and reinforced with carbon fiber	Motor type, operating voltage, weight, mftr	Brushless DC, 84-108V, 20kg, NGM Corporation
Body construction (upper shell)	Light foam covered in Fiberglas	Solar cell type, efficiency, number of cells, mftr	Mono-crystalline, 15%, 893, Shell solar
Front suspension	Double A arm - fully adjustable	Solar placement, material, mftr	Double sided HVP foam tape, Specialty Tapes
Rear Suspension	Double A arm	Encapsulation method	Conformal
Steering	XOF1 custom (Tank steer style)	Total array area (cell surface)	7.144sq m
FLC810E+ stand-alone wireless Ethernet 802.11b modem adds high power plus support for multiple field devices to the FastLinc Family		Maximum array output	~900 Watts
		Number of power trackers, type	4, booster
		Rear view	Micro camera, image displayed to driver via portable viewer
		Max speed	120 kmh
		Frontal Area	0.723m^2

FastLinc FLC810E+ Features

• Delivers high output power (300 mW) and excellent receiver sensitivity for outstanding in-plant RF coverage and outdoor range

• Station Adapter Mode supports multiple field devices for wireless network bridging

• Provides single radio repeater service using Data-Linc's proprietary IBR mode

• Provides high level of security and repeater function with unique, non-WiFi wireless bridge mode (optional ESSID beacon suppression)

• Offers a range of 6 miles with unobstructed line-of-sight (farther using Repeaters)

• Supports Network Address Translation (NAT) routing feature and DHCP for dynamic IP address allocation

• Designed with rugged 18 gage steel enclosure, universal mounting including an optional DIN rail clip for compact, flexibility

• Withstands extended temperature of -40 to 65°C

• Easy to configure with included software utility or web browser

• Ensure security through built-in data encryption and authentication

See the data sheet for more about the FastLinc FLC810E+ 802.11b modem.