Fluke Electronics has donated a variety of test tools to some of the teams taking part in the Panasonic World Solar Challenge.
Competitors have to design and build a car that can travel from Darwin to Adelaide using only sunlight as fuel. Fluke are sponsoring four teams in the race and have provided tools that will help its teams to succeed.
David Green, director of marketing, Fluke Electronics, said, “Usually we provide portable scopes, multimeters, clamp meters and infrared temperature guns, these are the types of tools that address electrical systems, power consumption and control circuits.”
Fluke examined the SunStang team entry during the design phase, and realised that thermal imaging technology could help solve some problems. Fluke provided a Ti30 thermal imager, a tool that is usually used by industrial maintenance professionals for detailed temperature analysis and tracking of critical systems components.
Dan Rogers, engineering student and co-manager of the SunStang team said, “The Ti30 has been invaluable during the development of a new motor for the vehicle and it will be essential during the race itself to monitor areas that are getting too hot. The greater the heat generated by the motor, the less efficient it is. Even worse, if the lithium ion batteries overheat, they can explode into flames that can’t be extinguished.”
The SunStang team will use the Ti30 during the race to pin point poor electrical connections and monitoring braking systems and battery packs. But most importantly, the Ti30 will enable more efficient use of solar power, as it monitors each solar cell individually to identify which is overheating.
“Cells can lose efficiency dramatically if the get too hot. In the past we have used sensors to monitor heat levels, but sensors can’t be used on each cell it was hard to tell which ones were overheating. The thermal imager will let us know which specific cells are hot so we can cool them more quickly and efficiently.”
David Green explains, "Energy conservation and alternative energy sources are big issues for the automotive industry. Solar energy, battery technology, and design, are all prevalent issues. That's why we're glad to be involved in student projects such as these. It's exciting to be part of something that generates unique ideas and technologies that represent the future of design."
Steve Hood, managing director, Fluke Australia, said “Fluke is keen to extend its sponsorship to Australian teams next year as part of our ongoing education programme. We are keen to support any Australian universities and higher education facilities that are keen to take part.”
www.sunstang.ca
Add a comment