Solar brushless RC car

[Maciolus]

I am preparing for solar rc car build. My aim is to build light and efficient setup.

General idea is to use 10 3.35x3.35 inch 1.1W solar panels, Mamba Micro Pro ESC and tiny outrunner (9/16 inch diameter). Frame will be made of laser cut balsa wood. Its gonna have only 3 wheels. Estimated top speed will be about 16mph.

The third wheel will be outrunner itself with rubber o-rings working as a tire. Moreover outruner will be attached directly to a micro servo for steering.

I wonder how big capacitor do I need for such a project?

Thanks for any help :)

[BL_RV0]

I'd worry about the bearings in the motor- they're not made to handle side loads.

[What's_nitro?]

So you'll be running at 5v, right? You'll probably want a regulator on the Rx power so you dont lose the signal when a cloud passes over. I think this capacitor would work- http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...AP-IN/-/1.html.

[Maciolus]

@ BL_RV0: I am not planning any endurance races :D BTW - it costs only 7$

@ What's_nitro?: I have found very similar one avalible in Poland - Nippon 16V 22 000 uF. I think one is not enough.

I was wondering how to power Rx. I think I will attach it to the ESC and add a cap. Second possibility is to attach it directly to solar cells and remove red ESC plug wire.

[BrianG]

Since solar panels do not have much burst capability, I would opt for a lot more capacitance. Something like 3 (or more) of these: http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...PERCAP-/1.html, or maybe even a couple of these: http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a...-CAP-/-/1.html

And any time you have that large of a capacitor, you're gonna have to give it time for the cells to charge those bad boys up before you run. Ideally, I would opt for a higher voltage setup (like 10v) with caps around that size, and then regulate them using a CCBEC or something. This will provide a more consistent supply which is less prone to voltage dips.

[Maciolus]

These are realy nice caps Brian :) Thanks! I think I will use 5F of caps total.

I chose 5V to match outrunner diameter, voltage and potential velocity. If I have any problems with 5V I will resolder solar cells, add BEC and possibly ask my friend to rewind motor.