The Race for Efficiency: Solar Cars and the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

Racing through the Australian Outback, solar-powered race cars symbolize the pinnacle of sustainable innovation. At the heart of this year's competition is a game-changing technology from Power Integrations Inc. As 37 student teams gear up for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, Power Integrations introduces a new reference design kit featuring their advanced GaN IC technology.

Harnessing Gallium Nitride: The RDK-85SLR Kit

The RDK-85SLR kit by Power Integrations is poised to transform the auxiliary power supply systems in solar race cars. The kit features the InnoSwitch3-AQ IC, utilizing PowiGaN gallium nitride switch technology that delivers outstanding efficiency and performance. This innovation minimizes the requirement for a heatsink, allowing for more compact and lighter designs—a critical advantage in race car technology.

Collaboration with Innovative Minds

Power Integrations partnered with the ETH Zurich aCentauri team to craft a design that optimizes energy use and system efficiency. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to infuse cutting-edge technology into sustainable mobility solutions. The #85 ‘Silvretta’ car by aCentauri exemplifies the real-world application of this advanced technology.

Technical Excellence in Solar Racing

A crucial feature of the RDK-85SLR kit is its ability to create a 46W power supply that can surge to 80W briefly, a crucial criterion for supporting auxiliary systems in demanding racing conditions. The track record of the PowiGaN switch technology highlights efficiency rates of 95%, a testament to its robust performance and energy conversion prowess as lauded by Aaron Griesser, the lead electrical engineer from the 2023 aCentauri team.

Educating Engineers of Tomorrow

Andy Smith, Power Integrations’ director of technical outreach and training, emphasizes the educational value of the kit. “Thousands of engineering students participate in solar car challenges annually, fueling future innovations for a sustainable world,” Smith states. By equipping these innovators with tools like the RDK-85SLR, Power Integrations contributes to the wider adoption and understanding of high-efficiency technologies.

The Broader Implications

The advancements seen in solar car technology highlight significant potential for wider applications in automotive and industrial sectors. As Power Integrations continues its association with the aCentauri team and the World Solar Challenge, it promises further insights into the enduring impact of efficient energy solutions.

For more insights, keep track of developments via Power Integrations’ updates on Mr. Green’s Blog and their social media channels under the hashtag #PowiGaNVan.

Through such innovations, Power Integrations not only enhances competitive racing but also paves the way for future advancements in energy-efficient automotive technologies.