Mechanical Engineering: Solar Car Literature Review Analysis

This literature review delves into the multifaceted world of solar cars, synthesizing findings from various research papers published in the last five years. The review examines the key features of solar car technology, emphasizing the integration of diverse fields like aerospace, automotive, and alternative energy. It highlights the crucial role of photovoltaic cells in converting sunlight into electricity, and explores the evolution of solar car designs, from conventional models powered by batteries and solar arrays to more advanced hybrid systems. The review discusses the advantages of solar cars, such as reduced fuel costs and enhanced performance, while also addressing challenges related to design, security, and weather dependency. It further analyzes the mounting methods of solar arrays, the importance of microcontrollers in energy management, and the use of lightweight materials to improve performance. The review also covers the historical context of solar car development, the security and reliability aspects, and the economic considerations associated with solar car technology. Overall, the review provides a comprehensive overview of solar car technology, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize the transportation sector and reduce environmental impact.