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Abstract:
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"Theoretical investigation on photovoltaic technologies and the possibility of applying them to
vehicles in general"
A good use on solar energy is the key to save on fuel consumption on vehicles. Therefore, the purpose
of this project is to study the implementation of new technologies for solar car roof-tops, together with
the analysis of determinant materials for their construction within the automotive sector, focusing on
an efficient, economical and environmental friendly vision. The major outcome of the project relates
to the deepening on the materials most commonly used to manufacture solar panels for regular use
and the "thin films", with emphasis on manufacturing methods, technical characteristics and a brief
history of each.
In order to establish a criterion for choosing an optimal technology for this project, complete analyses
on different aspects are studied for each material. In general this means the efficiency in different
situations, retail prices, production costs, market shares, availability, working conditions. Furthermore
also intrinsic aspects of each material such as resistance, degradation, flexibility, thickness of the
cells, transparency, estimated lifetime or potential recycling have to be observed.
Secondly, most important techniques used for implementation today, and some possible techniques
applicable in a not very distant future are studied. The results of these studies will be revealed and an
economic study of the most suitable solutions will be included in the Business Case. Also, graphics
made with a 3D modelling program showing the implementation of the solar roof-top on a vehicle
from the SEAT Company, are shown. |
