VIKING XX - A SOLAR RACE VEHICLE
Viking XX was designed and built by students at Western Washington University's Vehicle Research Institute (VRI) under the direction of Dr. Michael Seal. It was 2nd in the 1990 GM Sunrayce USA (Orlando to Detroit), 5th in the 1990 World Solar Challenge in Australia, and 1st in the California Clean Air Race (Sacramento to Los Angles). In all the races it was the first 2-person vehicle to finish.
This solar car is unique because it is designed to be turned around and driven from the other direction at midday so that the sloping solar panel can take maximum advantage of the sun's changing position. The 10,324 solar cells are space grade, monocrystalline silicon of approximately 15% efficiency. The peak power is 1800 watts.
The body is made from carbon fiber and other composite materials to form a monocoque chassis. The vehicle has a 10-horsepower Unique Mobility, permanent magnet DC brushless motor which is 95% efficient. The batteries are Eagle Picher, silver-zinc. The steering is cable and bobbin. The two 20" wheels on the battery pod side steer the vehicle. In addition all three wheels can be steered to allow yaw of the complete car to reduce aerodynamic drag during crosswind conditions. The suspension is leading and trailing link, with parallel wishbone on the battery pod side. Non parallel unequal length wishbones are used on the driver side with air/oil suspension at each wheel. The motor is direct mounted on suspension, unsprung. Total weight is 600 lbs.
The top speed is 70 MPH under battery and solar power. Average speed on the highway is 50 MPH. Average speed city/highway during competitions is 32 MPH.
AWARDS
1990 GM Sunrayce USA
2nd Overall
1990 World Solar Challenge in Australia
1st in Two Person Class
5th Overall
1991 California Clean Air
Race
1st Overall
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