Aug. 6 - "Emilia 3" brings into the solar energy automotive world the experience developed in the marine industry. Presented today at the Ferrari museum in Maranello, Emilia 3 was developed by the Solar Wave team of which Marco Bianucci, researcher at the Institute of Marine Sciences of the National Research Council (ISMAR-CNR) in Bologna, is part. The latest solar vehicle prototype was developed by a team of engineers, researchers and students, and after the 2005 Emilia 1 and 2011 Emilia 2 models, Emilia 3 will participate in the upcoming World Solar Challenge in Australia, October 6-13. Emilia 3’s photovoltaic system synthesizes the expertise already developed between Bianucci and some sailors of international repute, including Giovanni Soldini. This experience was brought on the market as the Solbian Alternative Energy form by SOLBIANFLEX, a major innovation company for sailing photovoltaic technology. The characteristics within Emilia 3’s PV system are very similar to those of racing boats: limited available space, and extremely powerful modules. In addition, lightness, flexibility, robustness and reliability are key requirements for the modules that need to be also laminated with very thin special plastic, transparent, resistant to mechanical stress and environmental factors. All this needs to also be kept within budget limits. The basic technology used for the lamination of the modules was therefore that of Alternative Energy Solbian, but the additional challenge was to compact cells so as to minimize the "empty" areas and use all available space according to regulations and aerodynamic constraints. Furthermore, to maximize aerodynamic performance and reduce the possible weight, particularly small plastic materials were used. The cells were selected in cooperation with SunPower Corp., the company that manufactures the most efficient mono-crystalline cells in the world.

THE WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE

This year's World Solar Challenge has three classes: Challenger, Michelin Cruiser and GoPro Adventure. The Challenger Class (to which the Solar Wave team participates), is the most futuristic of the three: the cars are aerodynamics treasures and need to comply with the following requirements: 4 wheels, 1 pilot, maximum length of 4.5 meters, maximum width of 1,8, and no more than 6 square meters of solar panels. Darwin-Adelaide is the stage on which the cars’ solar power energy-efficiency will be tested. The Michelin Cruiser Class is for less extreme vehicles and more "on the road": 4 wheels and 2 seats, both facing in the direction of travel, are the minimum requirements. The challenge consists of a longer trip, with the possibility to charge overnight batteries at checkpoints along the way. This category aims at practicality: the ultimate goal must be the possibility to register the vehicle in their country of origin. The GoPro Adventure, finally, is reserved for vehicles that participated in previous editions: 3 wheels, one pilot, a maximum size of 1.8 meters, and 5, 6 square meters of solar panels. This class wants to give importance to experience: for those who wish to compete again even if they have not had the means to build a car that meets the new regulations.