The April 2014 race is the second of its kind in Southwest Florida, 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 GoKart, 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 recommended
• 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.
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, cbokran@eagle.fgcu.edu
Dustin Chisum, Outreach Director, FGCU Renewable Energy Institute, 239-849-5093, dustin.chisum@gmail.com
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.
For those who can bring the kart to FGCU for the presentations on Friday,
April 4, the inspection will be conducted at that time. For those teams that
will not arrive before Saturday, April 5, please notify us and you will be
assigned a time before 10AM to make your presentation and have your Gokart inspected.
The race will consist of 3 activities:
(1)
Team presentations Friday April 4, 3:00pm to 6:00 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 Holmes Hall Room 224
and the room has projectors. The presentations will be graded by a
distinguished review panel. Winner will receive an award.
(2)
Speed race: The speed race will start at 11:00 am. It will consist of 2 laps (2
mile each) around the main FGCU loop road. Go-Karts will race two at a time
in separate lanes, going counterclockwise 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 on the right side of the road past the Main Entrance to
the University (FGCU Boulevard South). The total race will cover 4 laps.
Please read these rules carefully and contact us with any questions. We want this
event to be educational and fun without hurting anyone.
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, cbokran@eagle.fgcu.edu
Dustin Chisum, Outreach Director, FGCU Renewable Energy Institute, 239-849-5093, dustin.chisum@gmail.com