Aerodynamic Design Optimization of Solar-Powered Vehicles using CFD

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Introduction

Consumers in the world of automotive are growing annually and there is a general rise in
the demand for high fuel efficient vehicles. As a result of the increasing number of vehicles
which primarily relies on fossil fuels, there is a concern by the environmentalists over the
emissions from such vehicles around the globe[1]. The effects of the combustion engine are
actually widespread and diverse. In order to combat the problem of the pollution which is
associated with the internal combustion engine, there has been the development of electric cars.
Although it has been a slow process, the development of the electric vehicles that are both
economically viable and practical has been a continual process[2].
Despite the transformation of the industry of automotive from the engines of internal
combustion to the electric vehicles, having the same vehicles operated from the electricity from
fossil fuels will be equivalent to zero work. The big difference can only be realized in the
adoption of electric cars to renewable energy. One of the potentially identified renewable sources
of energy is solar energy which is abundant in most parts of the parts[11]. The solar cars have the
ability to tap the energy from the sun to be used as the source of power for mobility. This implies
that it can be regarded as one of the most suitable means of transport. Numerous obstacles exist
in this particular move to have similar products of the solar cars introduced into the market. The
literature conducted demonstrated the effectiveness of Computational Fluid Dynamics as a tool
for the design[3].
Significance
Most manufacturers of the vehicles including Nissan and Toyota have effectively
established a market for the vehicles considered to be hybrid. Such kind of vehicles has internal
combustion engines which are small[4]. Such engines are only used for short distance traveling

although in some cases they may be used when the electric motor power supply is exceeded.
Such kind of a vehicle will have a system of battery storage which is meant to ensure the supply
of energy to the electric motor. The battery is to be charged from the electricity grid. Also, the
manufacturers have been using solar arrays in the electricity supply for the case of the vehicle
application internally for example navigation systems and air conditioning.
The research that will be conducted in this particular project can be used in furthering the
knowledge of efficient building as well as generation of affordable road vehicles which are solar
energy-powered by the use of the CFD[10]. Another option which can be exploited effectively is
building a hybrid vehicle but instead of having batteries charged from the electricity of the grid,
solar arrays will be used in charging them. Further research work will enable the manufacturing
companies to produce vehicles which rely solely on the power from the solar without necessarily
in coopering internal combustion engines[13]. In general application of the CFD, the concept
will lead to improved aerodynamic efficiency. This will be through enabling the design of energy
efficiency car with reduced losses of energy by ensuring the very minimal value of the
coefficient drag (Cd)
Project Objectives as well as Deliverables
Objectives
 To achieve CFD transition model validation for the environment of flow similar to those
of solar vehicles.
 Aerodynamic design optimization of the solar-powered vehicles with the specified
regulation of the Sasol Solar Challenge by the use of CFD[4]. One of the major factors
that will be put consideration is to the aerodynamic drag of the designed component

(Vehicle). Interestingly, a reduction of 5% in the coefficient of drag is will just be
considered notable in the case of the section of the optimum base model. A 10%
improvement will be considered acceptable when the comparison of the new design is
done with the existing vehicle design[5].
Deliverables
It is important to note that any relevance of the outcome without proper validation will be
considered null and void. The research work must, therefore, prove beyond any doubt that all the
adjustments made in the design have been numerically documented. It is only through this
quantification that improvements will be noted. The simulation processes will be achieved by the
use of the CFD software ANSYS Fluent. This implies that the geometry of the car as per the
final design alongside the simulation report will be considered the main deliverables.
Literature review
Solar car racing that commenced in the early 1980s has spread in various countries including
Australia. The main objective for the rice of solar car competition was to instill knowledge and
skills on learners to improve on solar technology.