Viking XX - Western Washington University's solar race car

Abstract

The Vehicle Research Institute at Western Washington University designed and constructed the Viking XX Solar Race Vehicle to compete in GM Sunrayce USA. In this event, cars from 32 universities race from Orlando, FL to Detroit, MI, with the sun being the only energy source used to propel the vehicles. Viking XX is an advanced composite, monocoque chassis, two-person, solar powered vehicle that can run in either direction. The solar panel is composed of terrestrial grade solar cells. The energy produced by the array is stored in silver zinc batteries, which in turn power a 20 hp brushless, rare-earth, permanent magnet, d.c. motor located on the main drive wheel in the center of the drivers' pod. Two wheels mounted in the battery pod counter steer one another so that the car has a very tight turning radius. This paper is a concise description of the research, testing and design of the Viking XX solar race vehicle.