P5 Phoenix
Introduction
We are building a new car for Sunrayce 99: PrISUm Phoenix. The previous two vehicles used an identical aerodynamic design. Because Sunrayce 99 is a north-south race (Washington D.C. to Florida), the backwards sloping solar array used on the previous two cars will not be able to collect as much energy as a flat array. For this reason, we are designing an entirely new shape. PrISUm Phoenix is being designed from the ground up. We intend to make the body and frame of the vehicle out of lightweight carbon-fiber material. Various other concepts and designs are being worked on in every phase of the project, including mechanical systems, solar array, electrical systems, and human factors. We intend to design PrISUm Phoenix’s solar array to be lighter and more powerful than the past cars’. One of the major design areas of the vehicle is in the telemetry system. During the race, optimal strategy is a critical key to being competitive. The telemetry system will enable our team to gather data from the vehicle, including battery pack voltage, solar array output, motor temperature, and much more. This information will allow us to determine how to drive our car at its most efficient level.
Media
Vehicle Specifications
| Mechanical |
| Weight: 901lbs |
| Chassis: Carbon fiber and fiberglass board monocoque |
| Electrical |
| Batteries: Delphi lead-acid |
| Solar Array: 732 Siemens Solar Cells; 1100 Watts peak |
| Motor: NGM in-hub DC brushless, 18hp |
Where is it now?
Phoenix was donated to the town of Hawkeye, Iowa during the fall of 2013. The school has plans on using the vehicle to inspire future generations in the North Fayette School District by fixing and rebuilding the car in their new technology learning center. Want to see Phoenix in person and learn more about the new technology learning center at North Fayette School District? Check out their website!
Rayces
Sunrayce 99 – FSGP 2000
Sunrayce 99 started in Washington, D.C. and ended in Orlando Florida. The overall success of the event was limited by difficult weather conditions. Teams battled clouds and rain throughout the race, and no team avoided having to trailer their car for at least part of the race route.
Day 1: June 20: Start in Washington, D.C, finish in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Day 2: June 21: Start in Charlottesville, VA, finish in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Day 3: June 22: Start in Raleigh, NC, finish in Charlotte, NC.
Day 4: June 23: Start in Charlotte, NC, finish in Clemson, South Carolina.
Day 5: June 24: Start in Clemson, SC, finish in Atlanta, Georgia.
Day 6: June 25: Rest day in Atlanta, GA.
Day 7: June 26: Start in Atlanta, GA, finish in Macon, GA.
Day 8: June 27: Start in Macon, GA, finish in Tallahassee, Florida.
Day 9: June 28: Start in Tallahassee, FL, finish in Ocala, FL.
Day 10: June 29: Start in Ocala, FL, finish in Orlando, FL.
The 2000 Formula Sun Grand Prix was the first FSGP held and was hosted at the Heartland Park race complex in Topeka, Kansas