Tasmanian Model Solar Challenge

Important Dates

Australian-International Model Solar Challenge

Date: 27^th and 28^th November, 2010
Venue: Perth, WA

Tasmanian Model Solar Challenge

Saturday, 16^th October, 2010, New Town High School.

Quick Links

Online Registration

Online Entry Form

New 4 cell Solar Modules Test Data

The new 4 cell modules have recently arrived and intial testing by Ian Gardner in Victoria has given the following results:

50% Sun, 25C, AM1.5, 10 series modules.

Voc: 23.50 Vmp: 19.49 Imp: 0.241 Isc: 0.254 Pmax:4.70 FF:0.787

100% Sun, 25C, AM1.5, 10 series modules.

Voc: 24.37 Vmp: 19.75 Imp: 0.464 Isc: 0.491 Pmax: 9.16 FF: 0.765

For less modules simply factor voltage and power.

These figures suggest that the modules are of a very high quality. Further test results and panel IV and power curves can be viewed by downloading the document below.

NEW 4 CELL MODULE TEST RESULTS

The modules have come in two different cell widths. The above figures are for the 28mm wide cells but there are also modules with 25mm wide cells where the output can be approximated by simply factoring the above current and power figures by 25/28. The different cell sizes are not mixed on modules and John has sorted out the two versions.
This gives teams a further option when selecting panel powers.

Contact John for further details and purchase. John's contact details are listed on the website's CONTACT page.

New 4 cell Solar Modules

NOTE:

These modules have the same dimensions (62mm x 120mm) as the 3 cell modules listed further down. They are made from the same first quality, laser etched and anti-reflective coated cells and black fibreglass backing, but the 4 cells take up more of the available module space. The extra cell will increase the voltage of each module from approx. 1.5V to 2V and the reduced size of the individual cells will result in a lower module current. The overall power output from the 4 cell modules will be slightly greater. Full test data will be available shortly. The physical 3 and 4 cell modules can be compared below.

John Jeffery has arranged to have these made specifically for the solar car challenge and the first shipment is scheduled to leave China on the the 15th of May. Due to having more active cell area plus the extra handling in mounting the extra cell, the 4 cell modules are going to be marginally more expensive. The extra voltage, however, will mean that only 8 modules rather than 10 will most probably be required for a car panel. The modules are expected to cost around $14 + GST and orders will be taken in advance.

Contact John for further details and purchase. John's contact details are listed on the website's CONTACT page.

2010 Tasmanian Model Solar Sprint Car Challenge

2010 Tasmanian Model Solar Sprint Car Regulations

The Tasmanian Model Solar Sprint Car Challenge is a simplified and lower cost version of the main model solar car challenge and is aimed to introduce new students to model solar car racing.

2010 AIMSBC and TMSBC Regulations

2010 Model Solar Boat Regulations

Please note that teams entering the Tasmanian Junior or Senior Model Solar Boat Challenges will NOT be required to produce a poster for the state event as has been outlined in section 2.6 of the rules.

Model Solar Car Help, 2010

2009 AIMSBC

Low Shunt Resistance Solar Cells

More 2010 Help Files

Car Design Hints, 2010
Model Solar Car Simulator
Simulator Quick Start Instructions

2010 AIMSCC and TMSCC Regulations

AIMSCC Administration 2010
AIMSCC Car Specifications 2010
Synopsis of AIMSCC Rules 2010

Updated 2010 versions of both the Design Hints and Car Help files will be loaded up shortly. The boat rules are currently being reviewed and cleaned up for 2010 and should be finalised by late February. Little change is expected from a boat specifications perspective.

2009 AIMSCC RESULTS

View all ...

2009, Science Works, Melbourne, Victoria

Race Winner - Stealth Moorebank, Moorebank High School, NSW

Overall Points Winner - Stealth Moorebank, Moorebank High School, NSW

2nd - Killswitch, Box Hill High School, Vic

3rd - Hot Chilli, Queechy High School, Tas

4th - Team Extreme, St Patrick's College, Tas

New track record (15.17 seconds @ 118.9% sunlight) - Killswitch

2009 AIMSCC Car Data
2009 AIMSCC Knockout Draw Results
2009 AIMSCC Round Robin Seeding
2009 AIMSCC Car Analysis

2009 AIMSC Entries

Australian-International Model Solar Challenge

For all those car and boat teams that have not yet registered for the 2009 national event, please link to the national website and download the registration form. Please fill this form out and fax or email it to Paul Wellington ASAP. Paul's details are on the registration form. Please include team members names with the team/car/boat name.

A list of the entries that have received so far will be published shortly. A draft version of the event timetable can also be downloaded from the national website.

Solar Freaks Forum

Solar Freaks

This forum has been up and running for the last couple of years now and is a great place to discuss and seek help with regards to the solar challenge.

New Solar Modules

NOTE:

These are 3 cell modules with the same dimensions (62mm x 120mm) as the original DSE modules and are about the same weight (around 33gm). The cells are epoxy encased on a black fibreglass base with two polarity marked solder pads on the rear. The modules are not made from rejects and left over scraps but are purpose made from first quality cells. The actual cells are all rectangular (no missing corners) and have been laser cut from larger 125mm x 125mm isotropically etched and antireflective coated cells. The original Taiwanese made cells are graded to ensure consistency and only the top 2 grades with quoted efficiencies of over 16% are used. The Fill Factor of the cells as quoted and tested is around 0.75. The original samples that were sent to Ian Gardner for testing were given the thumbs up.

John Jeffery has arranged to have these made specifically for the solar car challenge and has just received the first shipment. Contact John for further details and purchase. John's contact details are listed on the website's CONTACT page.

2009 TMSC Results

Solar Car Challenge

Race Winner - Hot Chilli, Queechy High School

2nd - The Bat Mobile, St Patrick's College

3rd - The Flash, Queechy High School

4th - Pink Sparkly Barbie Fairy, Rose Bay High School

Fastest Lap (30.73s @ 25% sunlight) - Hot Chilli, Queechy High School

2009 TMSCC Results

For more results please link to the 2009 Tasmanian Results page

Thanks to the major sponsors Hydro Tasmania, Engineers Australia - Tasmanian Division and the University of Tasmania for their sponsorship in 2009.

2009 Tasmanian Model Solar Challenge Schedule

NOTE:

This schedule is only approximate and will vary according to entry numbers and weather conditions.

2009 TMSC schedule

2009 Online TMSC Entry Form

NOTE:

Cars and Boats will still be able to be entered on the day of the event. Online entries are primarily intended to help give organisers some idea of approximate numbers taking part and will still need to be confirmed at the event. Please complete a separate form for each entry per school.

2009 Tasmanian Model Solar Challenge Entry Form

2009 AIMSCC Plate Winner Re-entry

NOTE:

It is highly probable that the 2009 AIMSCC plate event winner (winner of those cars knocked out in the first round of the main draw) will be given an opportunity to return to the main draw. This will be trialed for the first time in 2009 and, if successful, may become a standard addition to the current event format in future years. The manner in which this will take place is outlined in the following document. All car teams participating in the 2009 National finals held in Melbourne on November 28 and 29 will be expected to be aware of this.

AIMSCC Plate Winner Re-entry