FGCU High School Solar Go-Kart Challenge
The March 2015 race is the third annual for Florida Gulf Coast University, so we have
been working to make the race both fun and safe for everyone. The primary goal of the
race is safety! The solar panels on top of the Kart make the unit awkward to handle and
can catch the wind if the Kart is not driven carefully.
We selected an outstanding engine with great speed capabilities. Our testing indicates
that speeds of 35 mph are possible with the engine provided. In designing the Go-Kart,
we also sought a safe frame with disk brakes and a wide wheel base.
So as in NASCAR, we have developed regulations to make the race fair, safe and still be a
solar-powered race. The rules will be strictly enforced. Failure to comply with the rules
below will disqualify a team from the race.
Rule # 1: Keeping in mind that the go-kart can tip over at high speeds, student
drivers must wear the following:
 Closed-toe shoes
 Helmet
 Gloves (driving or construction gloves o.k.)
 Seat belts
o 5-point harness required
 Long-sleeved shirt
 Long pants (jeans)
Rule # 2: The motor controller provided with the motor must be used, unless
permission was given to change it.
Rule # 3: At least one solar panel must be used in the race. A maximum
wattage of 800 is allowed for your solar panel(s).
Rule # 4: No battery exchange or external recharging is allowed between the
races. The following battery limits will be enforced for both races (speed and
relay). Recommended batteries are valve-regulated, deep-discharge, sealed,
lead-acid batteries (example in the dropbox):
Backe Professor Joseph H. Simmons, FGCU Renewable Energy Institute, 239-590-1897, jsimmons@fgcu.edu
Christian Bokrand, Research Director, FGCU Renewable Energy Institute, 239-590-4854, cbokrand@fgcu.edu
Laura Frost, Director, Whitaker Center for STEM Education, 239-590-7444, lfrost@fgcu.edu
Kendra Carboneau, Executive Secretary, Whitaker Center for STEM Education, 239-590-7444, kcarboneau@fgcu.edu
FGCU High School Solar Go-Kart Challenge
Battery voltage
12V
24V
48V
Amp-hour limit
for each battery
20 Ah
20 Ah
20 Ah
Number of
batteries
4
2
1
Total Watt-hours
960
960
960
Rule # 5: There will be an inspection of all Go-Karts to qualify for the race.
Technical inspections are performed to confirm compliance with rules 1-4.
Inspections will be conducted Friday, March 20 between 2:00-6:00 pm behind
Holmes Hall.
The race will consist of 3 activities:
(1)
Team presentations Friday March 20, 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm – Teams will have 10
minutes to present the innovations and changes made to the Go-Kart with an
explanation of the rationale for the modifications. This will be followed by a 5
minute question and answer period with the presenters. Posters or power points
can be used. The presentations will be held in Whitaker Hall 101 and Academic
Building 7 room 114 and the room has projectors. Teams will be assigned a room
prior to March 20. The presentations will be judged by a distinguished review
panel. Winner will receive an award on Saturday during the awards ceremony.
(2)
Speed race: The speed race will start at 11:00 am. It will consist of 2 laps (2
miles each) around the main FGCU loop road. Go-Karts will race two at a time in
separate lanes, going clockwise on the FGCU loop road. The winner will cover
the 2 laps in the least time.
(3)
Relay race: The relay race will be conducted like the speed race, but it will
require that 4 drivers each drive the Go-Kart for one lap (2 miles). Driver
exchange will be done in the pit area on the left side of the road. We will
penalize go-karts entering the pit area at speed in excess of 10 miles
per hour. The total race will cover 4 laps.
It is expected that teams will stay until 4:00 pm on Saturday to display the go-kart to
the public. Please read these rules carefully and contact us with any questions. We
want this event to be educational and fun and most importantly safe!
Thanks for you participation and commitment.
The FGCU Renewable Energy Institute and Whitaker Center for STEM Education
Backe Professor Joseph H. Simmons, FGCU Renewable Energy Institute, 239-590-1897, jsimmons@fgcu.edu
Christian Bokrand, Research Director, FGCU Renewable Energy Institute, 239-590-4854, cbokrand@fgcu.edu
Laura Frost, Director, Whitaker Center for STEM Education, 239-590-7444, lfrost@fgcu.edu
Kendra Carboneau, Executive Secretary, Whitaker Center for STEM Education, 239-590-7444, kcarboneau@fgcu.edu