Go Go – Car LEARN: Fundamentals of Solar Energy
D.I.Y.
Go Go Instruction manual
Go Go – Car This series is D.I.Y (do-it-yourself) educational series that provides concepts of environmental protection. You will be amazed to use and learn various sources of alternate fuel and energy.
LEARN: Fundamentals of Solar Energy How it Works? The 'Go Go Car' is an eco-friendly car that runs without batteries. The solar power from the sun gets converted into electricity with the help of solar panel. This electricity drives the electric motor and depending on the position of the switch knob, it rotates the main shaft of the car. The wheels are connected to the shaft and therefore, depending on the rotation of the shaft – the wheels move forward or backward. When it's not too sunny, the solar panel can't provide sufficient electricity to drive the motor. At this juncture, alternate energy can be provided by driving the generator handle mechanically. The mechanical rotation of the generator gets converted to electricity by the dynamo inside, and this in turn drives the motor. Make sure to remove the solar panel connection before switching on to the generator mode.
Go Go Car
Working of Solar Powered Car
Science behind Solar energy: 1) The solar energy is converted to electricity using the solar panel. The key components in this are the layers of semi-conductors that form the solar cell. The sun-rays knock off the electrons in the semiconductor creating a flow of electrons across the cell if they are connected. This is the electricity which then goes to the motor.
1) The Generator mode works on the principle of dynamo. When we manually rotate the handle of the generator, the rotational energy gets transferred to a wire coil inside. The wire coil arrangement which is inside a horse-shoe magnet cuts across the magnetic field between the two poles. The speed of the moving wire, the magnitude of the magnetic field and the area of cross-section of the wire loop together determine the amount of electricity produced. The electrons inside the metal wire flow in one direction and form the electric current. This phenomenon is called electromagnetism.
The electric current obtained from either the solar panel / generator goes to the motor. Here, a 'reverse dynamo' principle is used and flowing electricity causes an axle to rotate in one direction because of the repulsion/attraction from the permanent magnets. Did you know? The sunlight we see everyday carries energy. We feel the energy in the form of heat and warmth. As a power source, solar energy can be used to produce eco-friendly electricity. Still, most of our electricity comes from power plants. The combustion of fuels generates a huge number of pollutants like Carbon dioxide, which is the main cause of global warming. Further there is a fear that all the fuel will run out one day.
Global warming will cause excessive heating of Earth, leading to melting of ice.
Why are then solar powered appliances not common? It's because the solar panels are very expensive at the moment and the electricity generated depends on the intensity of sun, which is variable. However, we've seen positive developments in the past few years e.g. Solar powered mobile phones are already in the market.
Samsung's solar powered mobile The principle of generator that was used to drive the car is applied to generate electricity industrially. Instead of a handle, there are huge turbines that are rotated which in turn drive huge coils to produce large amounts of electricity. The turbines are rotated using wind power, hydro power, nuclear power, steam etc.
Quiz Q. Mark the correct answer(s) in each of the following I (a) Š
A dynamo/generator converts Solar power to electricity Mechanical energy to electricity
(b) Solar power to mechanical energy (d) Electricity to mechanical energy
II (a) (c)
Which of the following cannot be used to drive a generator? Mechanical Power (b) Wind Power Hydro Power (d) Solar Power
III (a) (c)
Which of the following are eco-friendly methods of producing electricity? Fuel Power (b) Hydro Power Solar Power (d) Wind Power
IV Solar cell works on the principle that solar rays knock off one of the following from the semi-conductor: An electron A proton
(a) ©
(b) A photon (d) A nucleus
Gallery A photo story comprising of 1.
http://cache2.assetcache.net/xc/216758.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=C0B327483B5646F50 CA17E5F21ADB8E9 “Traditional methods of generating electricity create a lot of pollutants.”
2.
http://www.solarpower-gmbh.com/uploads/pics/Horizontal.jpg “Huge solar panels are employed to get large amounts of electricity”
3.
http://www.crestsolar.com/pro/Off-grid.jpg “Solar Power can be used to run big appliances as well like a desktop”
D.I.Y. GO GO connects to the environment Congratulations on the purchase of this DIY kit suitable for children of 8 year old and up. “You’ll be amazed” to find what you can learn because after you have correctly assembled the collection you will master the basic knowledge of modern mechanic and electronic. The series is an exciting learning experience, and is smartly designed that it is easy to build-it-yourself. Most importantly, the main concept of this collection series is environmental protection. Children will be amazed to use the solar power or handle generator to operate the product. series is targeted at encouraging children to learn how to protect and look after the environment. Therefore, children can discover and play in an eco-friendly way .
Have a great eco-friendly experience!!! WARNING : Only for use by children aged 8 years and older WARNING Adult supervision and assistance is required. This unit is only for use by children aged 8 years and older. Not suitable for children under age 3 years old due to small part(s) and component(s). Read and follow all instructions in the manual before use. This toy contains small parts and functional sharp points on components. Keep away from children under age 3 years. Please retain the information and this manual for future reference. Follow the instruction manual to perform the circuit connection. Improper connection may cause serious injuries such as burns and explosion of battery.(if required) Instructions for parents are included and have to be observed.
CAUTION ! Before setting up any experiment, please double check and make sure all wiring connections you have made are correct before connecting the solar panel or generator and switching on the unit, as failure may result in damage to components or circuit board unit. When experiment is finished, make sure that the solar panel or generator is disconnected and switch off the unit before you clear away the wires. Do not apply any components or parts to the experiment other than those provided in this kit.
READ & SAVE ASSEMBLY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION ! To correctly construct this DIY kit please make sure all instructions are carefully read and review the illustrated diagram for easy following.
UNPACK THE D.I.Y. AMAZING GO GO Check the contents in the gift box. You should have all components shown in the illustrated assembly diagram in the PARTS LIST below.
PARTS LIST x 1pc (1) BODY (2) GEARBOX x 1pc x 4pcs (3) TIRE x 4pcs (4) HUB x 4pcs (5) SCREW x 1pc (6) FRONT SHAFT
x 1pc (7) FRONT BRACKET (8) FRONT COVER x 1pc (9) REAR WING x 2pcs x 4pcs (10) SPRING x 1pc (11) SWITCH x 1pc (12) ADAPTER
(13) SOLAR PANELx 1pc x 1pc (131) SOLAR PANEL ROD x 1pc (14) SCREW DRIVER (15) GENERATOR x 1pc
ASSEMBLY
1 22 22 21
2
2
4
101
1
3
X4
25 101
Slip four tires (3) on four hubs (4). Make sure that they are fitted together properly. Otherwise the car cannot move smoothly.
Place the gearbox (2) over the body (1). Align four rims (21) to the guides (25), and push gearbox (2) to the end. In doing so, the shafts (22) will align to the holes (101), and the gearbox (2) will be fitted together with the body (1).
For the following step 3-6, it is impotrant to note that each wheel hub is required to be fitted with the correct shaft. Wheel hubs marked with “2” can only be inserted fully to the back shaft, and wheel hubs marked with “1” should only be inserted to the front shaft.
3 5
6
Fix one front wheel hub on front shaft (6). Tighten the screw (5) to fasten. Note that only the correct wheel hubs can be fully inserted to front shaft (6)
6
Slip the front shaft (6) onto the front bracket (7). Fix another front wheel hub in the front shaft (6). Then fasten the screw (5) to fix them tightly. Again note that only the correct wheel hub can be fully inserted to front shaft (6) 5
7
4 19
5
Insert the front bracket (7) into the rectangular hole (19).
7
22
5
6
Insert two rear wheel hubs through holes (101) to the shafts (22). Then screw the screw (5) to fix them tightly.
101
7
5
1
8
8
9
9
10
Install the front cover (8) into the holes in the front of the body (1).
Insert a pair of rear wings (9) into each of the hole on the back of the body (1). Place four springs (10) into the four holes of the body (1).
9
4
11
10
Insert switch (11) through the front cover in the rectangular hole of body (1).
3
12
2 1
16
Insert adapter (12) into the two rectangular holes (16) of body (1).
11
Connect the two leads of the gearbox (2) through the two holes of the body (1) to the nearest pair of springs on body (1). Connect the red lead to B and the black lead to A.
B
A
13
B
12
2
13
1
12
131 A
3
4 18
12
Connect any pair of the leads of the switch (11) to springs A B. Same as the above, remember to always put the red lead(s) on the right and always put the black lead(s) on the left. Connect another pair of leads of the switch (11) to springs 1 2 on the adapter (12). Black lead to 1 and red lead to 2.
Insert the round head of solar panel rod (131) into the center hole of the solar panel (13), and insert the other end of solar panel rod (131) into the hole (18) on the body (1). Then connect the two leads of the solar panel (13) to the two lower springs 3 and 4 of the adapter (12). Red lead to 4 and black lead to 3.
13
14 12
In case there is no sunlight or the sunlight is too weak, disconnect the leads of the solar panel (13) from the two springs on the adapter (12) and connect the two leads of generator instead. Red lead to spring 4 and black lead to spring 3
Remark : Once the DIY Amazing Go Go is constructed, check carefully that both the BACK tires are fitted together with the hubs. This is to avoid the car to be stuck and thus unable to run smoothly. Warning : Energy supply leads from the solar panel and from the generator must not be connected to the adapter at the same time. Otherwise the solar panel will be damaged by the surged voltage from the generator.
OPERATIONAL HINTS 1) TIPS ON USING SOLAR POWER To operate this toy outdoor on solar mode, you must direct the solar panel in the direction of the sun. Therefore turn the 360ยบ adjustable solar panel by aiming it at the sun. For indoor operation, its minimum light source requirement 5cm is equivalent to 100W bulb at about 5cm away from the solar panel. Note that do not place a 100W bulb closely to solar panel for extended period. Warning: Very strong light beam such as laser beam will destroy the solar panel. Do not place light bulb closely to the solar panel as power source, as the plastic may melt under the heat after long time operation. Light bulb closely placed to the solar panel can be used for testing purpose only. Remember to switch to the handle generator when the sunlight is weak.
100W
(2) TIPS ON USING GENERATOR To operate this toy on generator mode, remember to ensure that the solar leads are disconnected. Otherwise solar panel will be damaged by the surged voltage from the generator. Generator can be cranked clockwise or anti-clockwise. This will cause the action of the kit to go forward or backward. You can try and see which direction will go forward and which direction will go backward.
(3) SWITCH KNOB The switch knob has three positions. By placing the switch knob to the central position the kit is switched OFF. By shifting the switch knob to either left or right position, the action of the kit will be going forward or backward. You can try and see which direction will go forward and which direction will go backward.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO CHECK THAT EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED PROPERLY AS TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
EDUCATIONAL HINTS
Principles of a Solar Power Generation System
Electron Hole(+) Electron(-) Negative Semiconductor P-N Junction Positive Semiconductor
How does a solar cell generate electricity ? A solar car is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the surface of the ca.r Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert the sun's energy directly into electrical energy.
Sunlight irradiation causes electrons to separate from their atoms.
Electron holes & electrons begin to move toward the P-N Junction.
Lead Wire
When the electron holes & electrons come together at the P-N junction, voltage is generated. When lead wires are connected, electricity is generated.
Magnetic Field
Electrical Generator is a machine which converts mechanical (rotational or kinetic) energy into electrical energy. A simple diagram of basic electric generator is pictured here. In this picture, the magMagnetic Field netic field is static while the coil (the loop) is rotary. In this generator a loop is immersed in a magnetic field. When the top leg of the loop is pushed into the paper and the bottom leg of the loop is pulled out of the paper, the loop will produce a current as shown in the direction indicated. Then, by using a commutator (see next diagram) we can make the generator to output DC current: Current
Direction of Magnetic Fieid
0 Volts
Induced EMF
DC generator can also be created by Maximum Maximum 0 Volts 0 Volts Volts Volts connecting four diodes in a specific way in AC generator’s output circuitry. This combination of diodes is called a Rectifier. 0 90° 180° 270° It turns AC into DC. In AC generator, the coils One Complete Revolution are always designed to be static while the magnetic field is designed to be rotary. This can prevent sparking, which is potentially dangerous.
Direction of Loop Rotation
If at any time in the future you should need to dispose of this product please note that waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste.Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer forrecycling advice. (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) An educational product by Mexus Education Pvt. Ltd.( formerly Axiom Education Pvt. Ltd.) Regd. Off.: No. 135 / 2 / A, Muktanand Marg, Chala, Vapi -396191 (Gujarat) Mumbai Office: 512, Midas, Sahar Plaza Complex, M V Road, J.B. Nagar, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 059. For Customer Care Contact: +91 922 322 4044 Email: help@iken.in For sales enquiry: sales@iken.in
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