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Not only does the Cd have to be low, but the driver has to be fit to cope with high temperatures (typically over 50°C in the cockpit). Toyota’s head driver is a champion tri-athlete. Darwin to Adelaide on solar power By the time you read this, competitors in the 1993 Daido Hoxan World Solar Challenge will be making their final prepara­tions for a gruelling race. 55 vehicles are expected to start in Darwin on Sunday, 7th November. The winning vehicle is expected to take approximately five days to reach Adelaide, travelling at more than 70km/h over the distance of 3004 km. By BRIAN WOODWARD 4  Silicon Chip Some of the world’s largest companies, including car makers and famous educational institutions, are involved in the race. The World Solar Challenge is held every three years. The inaugural event in 1987 was won by the GM Sunraycer. General Motors in the United States went on to develop the Impact, a prototype electric commuter vehicle designed for everyday public use, using technology and knowledge gained in the World Solar Challenge. General Motors-Holden’s remains the only Australian manu­ facturing company to sponsor the World Solar Challenge. As well as being the event’s official vehicle supplier, Holden’s sponsor­ ship extends to aiding two Australian universities and two schools with funding and support vehicles. The sponsor for the 1993 World Solar Challenge is Daido Hoxan Inc, the leading supplier of industrial gases in Japan. Daido Hoxan is also involved in frozen foods, medical equipment and solar power. The company competed in the first two World Solar Challenges. Official suppliers and supporters of the event are the Australian De­ partment of the Environment, Sport and Territories, the Northern Territory Government, General Motors-Holden’s, United States Department of Energy, Australian Department of Primary Industries and Energy, GS Batteries, Sumitomo Corporation, Sumitomo Marine, JTB Travel, Omega, and the Government of South Australia. Of the 55 entries, Japan has the most with 24, including Honda, Nis­ san, Hokkaido, Toyota and Kyo­cera. There are 12 en­tries from the USA, mostly universities, while Australian entries include Dripstone High School, Monash University/Melbourne Uni­ versity, NT Institute of TAFE, NT University, Mitcham Girls High School, Aurora Vehicles Association, Mor­ phett Vale High School and Meadow­ bank TAFE. From England, there are three entries: Battery Vehicle Society, Solar Flair/Phil Farrand and TR50/J G Riches. Caught at the side of the road during shakedown trials on the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory in February this year, the Toyota team checks vehicle functions. This model Toyota (now believed to have been scrapped in favour of a more advanced car) has single rear left wheel drive using a DC chopped motor and a toothed rubber belt. The Silver Zinc batteries from Eagle Picher in the USA typically cost $40,000 for a maximum of 5kW. They can be cycled on 10 to 20 times after which they are only good for making cutlery! Actually, two important automotive sporting events start on the same day, (7th November). One is the Adelaide Formula One Grand Prix and the other is the World Solar Challenge. Cars in the Grand Prix will run out of fuel in two hours, after covering just 306 kilometres. Competitors in the World Solar Challenge will race on for another four days and cover almost 10 times the distance and sunlight will be their only fuel. The World Solar Challenge has spawned many similar events in other countries, especially in Europe, Japan and the USA. But no other solar electric car event has yet equalled the rigid rules, the distance, nor the gruelling conditions of the world’s toughest solar race. Last time it was won by the team from the Engineering School of Biel in Switzerland. The 1987 winner, GM’s Sun­ raycer, averaged 66.92 km/h. Its record still stands. Car companies have taken the event very seriously this year, in the knowledge that winning the race will given them an enormous advantage marketing cars in the USA, particularly in California when the new zero emissions regulations are about to take ef­fect. Cars will be scrutineered for safety and compliance with the regulations before the event begins. All cars must have a minimum speed Solar race cars are permitted a solar array no larger than eight square metres. This car capability of 38km/h and has used the area on a body shape known as “modified cockroach” after the first winner the winning car is ex­pected in 1987 – the GM SunRaycer which used a full cockroach shape. At 15-20% efficiency, the average more than 70km/h. cells can then gather 1.2-1.5kW to propel the vehicle. October 1993  5