In Part 2 of our interview with Chak Man Yeung from NI Week, "Sunny" digs deeper into the University of Texas' solar "raycer". Featuring the National Instruments CompactRIO real-time programmable automation controller, the Samsung Solorean features one of the most sophisticated electrical systems in solar car "raycing". While the CompactRIO is primarily for battery protection, it also does state of charge calculations, cell balancing, array control, cruise control, HMI (via a touch screen), and telemetry. Solar car "rayces" are nationally organized events, with competition among dozens of colleges and universities. The challenge is to design, build, and race the best solar-powered vehicle. The mission is to promote educational excellence and team work among all competitors. To accomplish this goal, teams must integrate technical and business expertise across a range of disciplines. The University of Texas Solar Vehicles Team includes: Professor Gary Hallock, Chak Man "Sunny" Yeung, James Ferrara, John Olsavsky, Jerome Powell, Kashia Thuerwaechter, Dicai Yang and Xizhi Yang.
Have a story suggestion? Want to be featured on Engineering TV?
Send us a tip at: EngineeringTV@Penton.com!