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Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge 1997

Defi-innovations en énergie solaire au Canada

Rules and Regulations

January 1997
Version 2.0

Table of Contents

A. Administration

B. Entries

C. Solar Car Specifications - Electrical

D. Solar Car Specifications - Mechanical

E. Racing Regulations

References

Appendix 1: 1996 Organising Committee & Jury

A: Administration

A1: Application of Regulations: These Regulations will apply to the Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge ("Challenge'97"), which includes the choice of teams, registration of teams, the inspection of solar cars ("Scrutineering"), the road competition (the "Challenge") and any other Challenge'97 or function associated with the Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge to be decided upon or added on at any later date.

A2: Supplemental Documents: Additional documents may be distributed to all teams entered in Challenge'97 to supplement these Regulations. These documents will clearly state that they are a supplement to the Regulations, and they will have the same force and effect as these Regulations. If there is a conflict between a supplemental document and these Regulations, the document having the latter date shall take precedence. Supplemental documents specifically referenced in these Regulations include the Route Book.

A3: Acceptance of Regulations: All persons or groups chosen to participate in Challenge '97 are assumed to know these Regulations. Participation in Challenge'97 will constitute acceptance of them.

A4: Right to Revise Regulations: The Organizing Committee, identified on attached Appendix 1, is the only group authorized to revise these Regulations. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to revise these Regulations prior to 1 April, 1997. All participating teams will be informed of any changes to the Regulations before the event.

A5: Interpretation of Regulations: The only group authorized to officially interpret these Regulations is the Jury. Prior to the Qualifier, all such interpretations must be published in the Challenge'97 News to become official. During Scrutineering and the Challenge, all official interpretations will be announced at Drivers' Meetings and posted at Discovery Challenge '97 Headquarters.

A6: Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge Headquarters: The Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge '97 is managed by the Solar Energy Society of Canada Inc.. The mailing address is: Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge '97., 116 Lisgar Street, Suite 702, Ottawa, Ont. K1A 0K1 Tel: (613) 234-4151, Fax: (613) 234-2988, e-mail: sesci@sympatico.ca [Address and telephone until 28 February 1997: 250-2415 Holly Lane, Ottawa, ON, K1V 7P2, Tel: 613-523-0974, Fax: 613-523-5741]

A7: Challenge '97 Headquarters: During Scrutineering , Challenge'97 Headquarters will be established near these activities and will assume most of the management functions for Challenge'97. During the Challenge, the Headquarters will be located close to each day's start line until one hour before the scheduled start of the event for that day, at which time it will be moved to the finish line for that day.

A8: Officials: A Director will be selected by the Organizing Committee. A team of Officials to conduct Registration, Scrutineering, the Qualifier, and the Event will be selected by Discovery Challenge '97 Headquarters and approved by the Director. Officials having specific duties referenced in these Regulations include the Headquarters staff, Scrutineers, Observers, Start-Line Officials, Finish-Line Officials, Pit-Stop Officials, Timing Officials, and Security officials.

A9: Jury: A Jury will be formed by the Organizing Committee, made up of not more than five and not less than three members. It will consist of at least one chairman, one vice-chairman, and one recorder. Three members will constitute a quorum and the decision by a majority will govern. The Jury will judge protests on conformity with the Regulations, team disputes, and penalties. In addition, the Jury is empowered to decide cases not specifically covered by these Regulations. During Scrutineering, and the Challenge, the Jury will meet at a posted location each day.

A10: Advertising, Promotion, and Publicity: All advertising, sales promotion, and publicity material produced by the teams or their sponsors concerning or referring to Challenge'97 will refer prominently to the Challenge'97 as Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge 1997. All teams, by entering Challenge'97, specifically agree to abide by this regulation. By entering Challenge'97, all teams agree to the use of their names and photographs in any publicity materials that may be issued by the Challenge'97's sponsors.

B: Entries

B1: Entry Registration: The Canadian Solar Challenge'97 is open to all post-secondary institutions in Canada and specifically invited institutions from the United States of America, that are developing solar cars. Each team wishing to participate in the event must submit a Data Sheet and a signed Participation Agreement. The entry must be signed by an official of the Institution (Dean or equivalent). Deadline for receipt of entries to Discovery Challenge Headquarters is no later than December 1st, 1996.

B2: The Event: The Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge '97 is a consecutive series of cross-country trials for solar cars. The solar cars must take part in the event using the same configuration approved during scrutineering. The event will span four days. Each day will cover a specified distance and have specific start and finish lines. Approximate dates and locations for Discovery Challenge '97 are: Wednesday 28th May, 1997 - Registration - London, Ontario; Thursday 29th May to Friday 30th May, 1997 - Scrutineering - London, Ontario; Saturday, 31st May, 1997 - Start - from London, Ontario; Sunday, 1st June, 1997 - Day 2 - from Toronto, Ontario; Monday, 2 June, 1997 - Day 3 - from Kingston, Ontario; Tuesday, 3 June, 1997 - Day 4 - from Montréal, Québec; - Finish to Ottawa, Ontario

B3: Technical Documents: Documents describing the solar car's structure and batteries must be submitted to Challenge'97 Headquarters by 30 March, 1997. Amendments to the specifications will be accepted through to 1 May, 1997. The data will be used during scrutineering, therefore the final submissions must match the solar car presented at scrutineering. Data may also be used to amend the rules and regulations of the event.

B3.1 Battery Approval: All storage batteries used in the solar car must be approved by Challenge'97 Headquarters. Each team must provide a copy of the manufacturer's battery specification sheet, the Material Safety Data Sheet obtained from the battery manufacturer and the following battery information: Manufacturer's Name, type or description, Module Voltage, (e.g., 6, 12, or 24 V), Number of modules to be used in the solar car, manufacturer's specifications, including capacity (kWh) and weight (kg).

B4: Team Data: Each team must submit team photos and data sheets no later than 1 March , 1997. The photo and data will be made available to the public and used in event materials.

B4.1 Team photo: The team photo will be a 20 by 25 cm colour print, clearly showing the solar car, in whatever stage of construction is necessary, and at least five team members. The team members must be identified on an accompanying piece of paper. (Do not write on the back of the photo.)

 

B4.2 Data Sheet: The data sheet must include solar car weight, including batteries but without driver, solar car dimensions, motor type and rating, solar cell type and manufacturer, estimated peak solar array power in both driving and charging configuration (overhead sun, clear sky), battery weight and estimated capacity, chassis description, braking system and wheel type and size. All specifications must be provided in both metric and Imperial units. The team leader, crew members, designated drivers and faculty adviser(s) must also be listed.

 

B4.3 Team Data Changes: Teams may change specifications of the solar car and crew up until Scrutineering, with the exception that solar cell and battery specifications may not change after May 1st, 1997 without specific approval from Challenge'97 Headquarters.

B5: Event Registration: All persons taking part in Challenge'97 must be registered with Challenge'97 Headquarters. This includes team members, sponsors, officials, guests, and the media. Badges will be issued and used to obtain access to restricted areas. The badges must be visible at all times.

B5.1 Crew Requirements: All team members involved in Challenge'97 must be present during Registration on 28th May, 1997 to complete all required forms. At that time the participants must present identification verifying their attendance at their institution prior to December 1996. A letter from the Registrar or a valid Student card are acceptable forms of identification.

 

B5. 2 Driver Requirements: Only registered solar car drivers will be allowed to drive the solar cars. A team shall have a minimum of two drivers available at all times. The driver must have complete control over the operation of the solar car, including the ability to manually override all automatic features. All drivers shall present a valid driver's license.

B6: Driver Equipment: Drivers must wear car type seat belts (5 point seat belts are highly recommended) and helmets while operating the solar car. The helmet must have a minimum ANSI Z90.4 or Snell B90 (bicycle-type rating). Teams without driver helmets will not be allowed to participate in Challenge'97. Drivers must also wear closed toed shoes. A driver's water bottle must be within an easy reach of the driver in the car.

B6.1 Driver Ballast: Each driver must supply their own ballast bag and ballast (sand or metal shot only) which will be identified with unique identification tags. The official weight of each driver, including clothes, helmet and shoes, will be 80 kg. If the driver weighs less than 80 kg. ballast will be added to make up the difference. If the driver weighs more than 80 kg, no credit will be given.

 

B6.2 Securing Ballast Bags: Ballast bags required to increase the driver's weight to 80 kg must be positioned securely in the vehicle in such a way so that it cannot come loose in the event of an accident or rollover.

B7: Scrutineering: Each team registered for the Event must submit their solar car for inspection prior to the Event to verify Compliance with these Regulations. In addition, spot checks for regulation compliance may take place during and immediately after the Event. Furthermore, the top three cars will be inspected after the Event.

B7.1 - London Registration for Challenge'97: All teams must register for Challenge'97 on Wednesday 28th June, 1997 in London, Ontario. At that time the solar car, trailer and team leader must present themselves to the race officials. Registration will be open from 1200 to 2100.

 

B7.2 - Scrutineering for Challenge'97: Scrutineering will take place in London, Ontario, 29th - 30th May, 1997. All cars must be capable of travelling 50 km within 1.5 hours on a closed track in order to participate in the event. The exact times and location will be announced no later than 30 March, 1996. A complete road worthy solar car is required for scrutineering. Order of Inspection, at 15 minute intervals, will be determined at an all team meeting to be held at 2130 on Wednesday 28th June.

 

B7.3 - Scrutineering Format: Scrutineering will involve inspection stations for sizing, body, emergency escape for drivers, electrical, and mechanical; plus outdoor dynamic tests, including acceleration, braking and a slalom, to verify handling and braking performance. Instructions for Scrutineering, a detailed description of the Scrutineering tests, will be distributed in advance to all registered teams.

B8: Safety: Each team is responsible for the road-worthiness of its solar car. Passing scrutineering does not relieve the team of any responsibility or liability. All solar cars and support vehicles must be maintained in a safe, road-worthy condition and be operated safely at all times. A team may be disqualified and withdrawn from the Event at any time if it is judged (by the jury, based on reports from observers) to be operating their solar car or any support vehicle in an unsafe manner.

B9: Withdrawals: Any team wishing to withdraw must notify Discovery Challenge '97 Headquarters in writing. If the withdrawal occurs during scrutineering or the event, the team must notify the Event Headquarters. All written withdrawals signed by an official of the Institution are final. Headquarters will withdraw teams that do not meet the technical document deadlines or fail to present a solar car at scrutineering.

C: Solar Car Specifications - Electrical

C1: Power: Direct global solar radiation received by the car is the primary power source to be used for propulsion.

C2: Solar Array: The solar array comprises all components that are involved in the conversion of solar energy into electricity. Not only will direct energy conversion components be considered to be part of the array but also reflective surfaces, refractive lenses and thermal cooling systems. Solar collectors may be constructed in any way, provided that they lie, at all times, entirely within a single right rectangular parallelepiped (box) of dimensions A x B x C, where A<= 5.00 m, B <= 2.00 m, C <= 1.60 m and A x B <= 8.00 m2. When in motion, the parallelepiped must be oriented such that A is length, B is width, and C is height, when stationary the height C may not exceed 2.5 m above the ground. Add-on panels or mirrors, if fitted, must at all times be carried in or on the vehicle. Total disconnection is required during any reconfiguration outside the parallelepiped AxBxC. Suitable test points must be provided to allow the measurement of array power.

C2.1: Running Configuration: Whenever the solar car is being driven, the solar array must be in its running configuration. The 'box' must be defined such that the length and width lie parallel to the ground. Furthermore, all portions of the solar array must remain fixed with respect to the solar car chassis, in the same orientation and configuration used when the solar car was inspected during Scrutineering.

C2.2: Charging Configuration: Whenever the solar car is stationary, teams may orient the array for maximum solar charging, but no re-configuration of the array is permitted. During stationary charging the 'box' may have any orientation relative to the ground, but all portions of the array must remain geometrically fixed with respect to the 'box', in the same configuration used when the solar array was inspected during Scrutineering. Reconfiguring with the 'box' is permitted.

 

C2.3: Electrical Connection: All electrical connections between the array and the solar car must be carried by the solar car.

 

C2.4: Water Spray: Hand-pumped water sprayers may be used to cool the solar array while the vehicle is stationary and the application of water does not present a shock hazard. No water sprayers may be used when the solar vehicle is in motion. [v2.0]

C3: Solar Cell Technology Limitation: Only solar cells manufactured in North America will be allowed. A cell will be considered manufactured in North America if the crystal growth, junction formation, and metallization are performed withing the physical boundaries of North America. Substantial modification of the crystal structure, junction, or metallization constitutes manufacture of a new cell. There is a cost limit of $12 CDN per watt. [v2.0]

C4: Batteries: All solar cars are allowed to store solar-generated energy in a battery system composed of individual modules having a combined weight not to exceed 140 kg, based on the manufacturer's published specification. Here the word 'module' denotes an individual, self-contained unit (usually thought of as a bettery); the term 'battery system' denotes the full solar car battery. There is no separate limit applied to system voltage or number of modules. The solar vehicle must travel the length of the event course using the same make and number of modules that were used and approved during Scrutineering. Battery modules may be replaced after the start of the Challenge, however a penalty will be incurred. Replacement battery modules may have been charged by any means prior to installation into the solar car.

C4.1: Battery Enclosures: All battery modules must be fully contained in enclosures that are electrically isolated from the solar car. The enclosures must be constructed from non-conductive, acid resistant material. The battery enclosure covers must be constructed from the same material used in the fabrication of the rest of the enclosure. The cover must be firmly secured. The resistance measured between the battery terminals and any portion of the solar car chassis shall be greater than 1M for applied potentials up to 500 V. The battery enclosures must be firmly secured to the solar car chassis to prevent the box and modules from coming loose in case of an accident or rollover. Velcro fasteners or tape will not be approved. All sides of the battery enclosures must also include clear warnings: "Caution: Corrosive Acid" and "High Voltage".

 

C4.2: Battery Stacking: Stacking of batteries is discouraged. If it is necessary to stack the batteries, a battery rack, made of non-conductive, acid-resistant material, strong enough to support the weight of the entire battery system, shall be used. The rack shall meet the same electrical isolation requirements as the battery enclosures.

 

C4.3: Battery Ventilation: Battery enclosures must be equipped with a negative-pressure, forced ventilation system rated to flow at least 280 litres per minute. It must operate whenever the battery system is electrically connected to the solar car or to the solar array. Such ventilation systems must exhaust to the exterior of the solar car and must be powered by the battery system.

C5: Battery Technology Limitation: The storage battery may be composed only of rechargeable, commercial-production, lead-acid modules for which a specification sheet is publicly available. The battery modules may not be removed in any manner, including the addition of electrolyte additives, case modification, or plate addition, removal, or modification.

C6: Battery Charging/Replacing: Batteries may be charged from the sun from 6am to 9pm and by regeneration when the car is driven during the event hours. Batteries may be replaced with the permission of the team's Observer or an Inspector but a penalty will be assessed for each battery replaced. See E15.4: Replacement of Batteries.

C7: Supplementary Batteries: Only data acquisition, specifically telemetry and electronic panel meters and communication systems can be powered by supplementary batteries.

C8: Battery Switch: The battery system must be equipped with a manually operated, high-current switch to quickly disconnect the battery from the electrical system. This switch must be capable of interrupting the full load current. The switch must be highly visible to the driver and rescue personnel outside the solar car and within easy reach of the driver. The switch must be marked as the "Battery Switch", with the "ON" and "OFF" designations. Use two sets of markings, one outside and one inside, if necessary.

C9: Motor: The choice of the motor is left to the participant.

C9.1 - Motor Switch: All solar cars must have a motor switch wired to disconnect all power to the motor from either the battery or the solar array. The switch must be able to interrupt full load current. As with the battery switch, the motor switch must be highly visible to both the driver and rescue personnel, outside of the solar car, and must be easily accessible to the driver. (Use two sets of markings, one outside and one inside, if necessary.) The switch must be marked as the "Motor Switch", with the "ON" and "OFF" designations. A single unit, capable of performing the functions of both battery and motor switch will be permitted, in the condition that the motor can be easily isolated from ALL power source. No relays or automatic systems will be permitted in place of battery or motor switch.

C10: Electrical Wiring: All electrical cables must be properly sized to expected current systems. All electrical wiring above 32 volts, such as exposed or easily exposed cables, junction boxes, solar array etc., must be marked DANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE and must have proper electrical insulation. The driver must be protected from electrical shock hazards

C11: Fuses: A separate battery fuse (not a circuit breaker) should be connected in series with the battery. The rating of the fuse must not exceed 200% of the maximum expected current draw. All low-voltage taps from the battery system must be separately fused. All fuses must be placed first in series with the battery starting at the positive connection, as close as possible to the battery. [v2.0]

C12: Accelerator: Accelerator mechanisms on solar cars must be free moving, and when released, must return to the zero current position. If the solar car is equipped with cruise control, it must be designed with an automatic shut-off when the brake is activated.

C13: Lighting: Solar vehicles must have brake lights, both front and rear turn indicators, and hazard lights visible from 15m away. The brake lights must be red coloured, and the turn signals can be either red or amber coloured. Turn signals must be visible from directly in front of and directly behind the vehicle and must be visible in 45 degrees of the centre line of the solar vehicle. [v2.0]

C14: Horn: All solar cars must be equipped with a horn that can be heard at a sound power level of between 82 decibels to 102dBA, at a distance of 15m in front of the solar car. The horn must be permanently mounted and electrically powered.

C15: Control: Acceleration, braking and steering must be under the sole control of the driver.

D: Solar Car Specifications - Mechanical

D1: Size: The maximum dimensions of the solar car in motion are 6m long x 2m wide x 1.6m high + 1% allowance. When turning corners, wheels and wheel fairings are permitted to exceed this envelope. The minimum height is 1.0 m.

D2: Tire and Wheel Requirements: Each solar car shall have 3 or more tires in contact with the ground at all times. The wheels shall be designed for the intended application.

D2.1: Tire ratings: All tires used must be rated for load and pressure by the manufacturer. Tires in contact with the ground must be loaded and inflated within the manufacturer's rating at all times.

D3: Braking: Solar cars must have a balanced, dual braking systems so that if one system should fail, the solar car can still be stopped. The two systems must be operationally independent and may be either front/rear or redundant front or redundant rear (one sided systems left or right are not permitted). If two redundant hydraulic brake systems are used, each system must have its own master cylinder, hydaulic lines and slave cylinder. [v2.0] Regenerative braking will not be considered one of the two required braking systems

D4: Braking performance: The driver must be able to stop the car travelling at 30 km/h in 22 m. When braking, the solar car must not veer excessively to the left or right, or exhibit structural instability.

D5: Handling performance: Solar cars must be able to negotiate a slalom course of cones spaced 15 meters apart at a velocity (measured in the direction of the line of cones) of 20 kph or greater, without knocking any cones or exhibiting signs of stuctural instability.

D6: Turning radius: Solar cars must be able to make a U-turn in either direction, without backing up, such that all wheels remain within a 16-meter wide lane.

D7: Driver Cockpit: The cockpit of the solar car must not cause the driver excessive strain during the car's operation, and it must be designed to protect the driver from injury in the case of an accident.

D7.1 Seating Position: There is no head-first positioning allowed. The driving position must place the driver's head in the highest position.

 

D7.2 Road Protection: The cockpit of the solar car must be capable of both isolating and supporting the driver in the event of a complete failure of the wheels, suspension, or support mechanism.

 

D7.3 Belly Pan: The cockpit must be equipped with a full belly pan to isolate the driver from the road. The belly pan must be able to support the full weight of an 80-kg driver.

 

D7.4 Roll Cage: All solar cars must be equipped with a roll cage that encompasses the entire driver and is capable of providing sufficient protection in the event of a vehicle roll-over. It roll cage must be a fixed, integral part of the solar-car structure. Full documentation of the roll bar protection for the driver must be documented in the Structural Report. The roll bar or structure must extend 5cm over the driver's helmet in the normal driving position. The roll cage must be of steel tubing having a minimum carbon content of 0.18 per cent. The roll cage tubing must have a minimum outside diameter of 2.5 cm and minimum wall thickness of 2mm. Alternate materials may be used if they provide equivilent driver protection and if they are documented in the Structural Report.

 

D7.5 Padding: The roll cage must be padded with energy absorbing material wherever it may come into contact with the driver's helmet. This energy absorbing material may be included within the required 5 cm of clearance. In addition, a headrest of at least 2-cm-thick resilient material must be mounted behind the driver's head.

 

D7.6 Crush Space: The seated driver must have a minimum of 15cm of horizontal distance between his or her shoulders, hips and feet and the car's outer surface.

 

D7.6 Safety Belts: The use of safety belts is mandatory. All solar cars must have a minimum of a car type seat belt. (five-point lap and shoulder belts recommended). The safety belts must be attached securely, according to manufacturer's recommendation, to a strong component connected to a main frame member or to a main frame itself in the solar car. The harness must be attached with nuts and bolts. If a hammock-type seat is used, the safety belts must remain functional in the event of a structural failure in the driver's seat. Only commercially manufactured safety belts are allowed, they must bear the manufacturer's emblem and they must not be modified in any way.

 

D7.7 Ventilation: The driver must be supplied with a continuous supply of fresh air. The use of vents or wheel openings will be sufficient.

 

D7.8 Egress: The driver must be able to exit the car unassisted within 10 seconds. Driver's doors and/or canopies cannot be taped down.

D8: Vision: The driver must have adequate vision to the front and to the sides. The driver's eyes must be at least 75 cm above the ground.

D8.1: Forward Vision: From the driver's seat, the driver must be able to see at all times without artificial assistance: 1) a point on the road 8m in front of the solar car, 2) a minimum of 17 degrees above the horizon on level ground 3) 100 degrees to either side of center. Any part of the solar car structure that is part of the 'encompassing' roll cage may minimally obstruct a portion of the driver's forward vision. In these cases, the driver must be able to easily see the road and all oncoming traffic.

 

D8.2: Rear Vision: All solar cars must be equipped with a rear view mirror that will allow the driver to see a vehicle 15 metres directly behind and up to 30 degrees off centre. Fiber optics and/or electronic rear vision systems are not allowed. The rear view mirror shall use only a single reflection and shall be mounted on the solar car.

 

8.3: Windshield: All solar cars must be equipped with a windshield made of shatter-resistant material. They must also have the ability to clear at least 0.1m2 of the windshield of rain using a mechanical system or daily pre-applied Rainex. The clearing method must be operable at all times and must be in use when it becomes necessary to use windshield wipers on the team's support vehicles.

D9: Fasteners: All fasteners must be of suitable type, strength and durability for their application, with the following minimum requirements

D9.1 Bolts: Bolts used in the steering, braking, suspension, seat mounts, safety harness, drive train, and battery box systems must at minimum meet SAE grade 5, metric grade M 8.8 and/or AN/MS specifications. Bolts must be of the correct length, and extend at least two threads beyond the nut. Bolts in tension must not have shaved or cut heads.

 

D9.2 Securing of Bolts: The bolts described above must be secured from unintentional loosening by safety wire or cotter pins. Inspectors will allow nylon lock nuts, Loctite, or other means deemed appropriate. Excessive use of Loctite is not permitted. Lockwashers should not be used in critical areas. If lockwashers are supplied by the manufacturer ( such as brake/suspension assemblies) Loctite, or something similar should also be used.

 

D9.3 Hose clamps: Hose clamps must not be used to secure any structural or critical members of the car. Their use to secure ducting or wire cables is allowable.

D10: Covers and Shields: All moving parts must not contact stationary parts except through properly designed bearings. All moving parts must be suitably covered to prevent accidental human contact when the solar car is fully assembled. Chains and sprockets must be covered when in use.

D11: Steering Stops: Steering stops are required to prevent dangerous or damaging steering travel during evasive manoeuvres or when a wheel strikes a roadway obstruction.

E: Racing Regulations

E1: Graphics: Solar cars must prominently display their number, Institution name, and the Event logo such that they are clearly visible from a roadside vantage point. Additional graphics related to the team's Institution(s) or sponsors are permitted, provided they are neither offensive or disruptive.

E1.1: Solar Vehicle Numbers: Each team registered for Challenge'97 will have a unique number approved by Challenge'97 Headquarters, positive integer, 3 digit maximum. The number must be clearly displayed on both sides of the vehicle. Each number must have a min. of 5cm of unobstructed background colour on all sides. The numbers can be black, white or any other high-contrast colour approved by Challenge'97 Headquarters. The numbers must fit within a 20cm x 20cm space.

 

E1.2: Event Logo: The Challenge'97 logo must be applied on both sides of the solar vehicle. The logo shall be provided by Challenge'97 headquarters and will measure no more that 22cm in height by 32cm in width. The logo must be mounted with 5 cm of unobstructed background colour on all sides.

E2: Traffic Laws: During the course of the field trials, all provincial and local traffic laws must be obeyed, with the exception of those that are uniquely unapplicable to solar-car caravans.

E3: Team Uniforms: On racing days from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm team members should wear uniforms representing their Institutions'. The only information or graphics approved to appear on the front of the team uniform shall be the School name/logo, Team name/logo, Car name/number and Challenge'97 logo. Team sponsors logos' may be displayed on the back of the team uniform. Artwork for Challenge'97 may be obtained from Challenge Headquarters.

E4: Drivers: Only a single person, the authorized driver, may ride in the solar car. The driver must have complete control over the operation of the solar car, including the ability to manually override all automatic features.

E4.1 Driver Helmets: Drivers must wear a helmet in the solar car. The helmet must have a minimum CSA approved (bicycle-type) rating.

 

E4.2 Driver Shoes: Drivers must wear closed-toed shoes in the solar car. Sandals are not permitted.

 

E4.3 Driver Ballast: Drivers and ballast will be identified with unique identification tags. The ballast carried by the solar car must match the driver in the solar car at all times.

 

E4.4 Driving Time Limit: A solar car driver must not drive for more than 5 hours in a given day. The pit stop is intended for a driver change [v2.0].

E5: Drivers' Meeting: A Drivers' Meeting will be held at 8:15 am each driving day. Attendance at this meeting is required by all drivers from each team [v2.0]. All official statements, including starting order, rule interpretations, and route revisions, shall be made at this time.

E6: Starting Line: The solar cars will be released from the official starting line at 2 minute intervals, beginning at 1000. All solar cars must report to their starting position at 0945. Each team's lead and chase vehicles must merge with their solar car after it leaves the starting line. The movement of all vehicles in the start-line area is under the control of the Start-Line Officials.

E6.1 Starting Order: The starting oder for the first day of the Challenge will be determined at the qualifier. On all other days, the order is based on the solar cars' Official Elapsed Time of the previous day, from shortest to longest. In the case of a tie, the first team to cross the finish line of the previous day will precede the other in the line-up.

 

E6.2 Teams Not Ready: If a team's solar car, lead and chase vehicles are not in their assigned starting positions at 0945, the Start Line Officials may, at their discretion, move all of the following cars up one slot, and the tardy team must move to the end of the starting queue.

 

E6.3 Delayed Start: The start of the Challenge may be delayed if inclement weather or other hazardous conditions appear likely to pose a threat to the solar cars or their drivers'.

E7: Field Trials Route: A Challenge Route Book will be distributed to each team that qualifies for the field trials. The Route Book will contain information to direct the team along the official route. It will specify days, dates, distances, directions, route numbers, maps and points of reference. For a team to receive official time, they must follow the official Route.

E7.1 Route Revisions: Challenge Headquarters will make every effort to be as accurate as possible in the Route book, but due to unforeseen events it may be necessary to detour. When advance warning is available, Challenge Headquarters will correct the official route accordingly and provide revisions to the Route Book to all teams registered for the field trials, or provide written revisions at the morning Drivers' Meeting.

 

E7.2 Pit Stops: A Pit Stop is a mandatory stop during the driving day. Each day, one Pit Stop will be designated and detailed in the Challenge Route Book. These Pit Stops are for 15 minutes and are mandatory for all cars reaching the Pit Stop before 1500. Failure to stop for the required time will result in no credit for distance driven beyond that point and a trailering penalty will be assessed for the distance from the end of the Pit Stop to the Finish Line. Solar charging of batteries and maintenance will be allowed during the Pit Stop. Teams unable to leave the Pit Stop area after 15 minutes must move their solar car and support vehicles to an area designated by the Pit Stop Officials.

 

E7.3 Teams departing from the Route: Any team leaving the race route must rejoin the route at the same intersection where they left the route. If they do not they will receive no credit for the distance driven beyond the point where they departed from the route and a trailering penalty will be assessed for the distance from the departure point to the Finish Line. See Rule E13.4. [v2.0]

E8: Support Vehicles: All vehicles and trailers associated with a team (including friends and family), other than the solar car itself, are support vehicles. These vehicles must be registered with Challenge Headquarters before or on the First Day of Challenge'97. If authorized support vehicles are supplied to all teams entered in the Challenge, then each team shall use the vehicle supplied in accordance with the terms of the agreement under which the vehicle is provided.

E8.1 Support Vehicle Graphics: All support vehicles, including trailers, must be marked with the team's solar car number (at least 15-cm tall) on both sides and the rear. The name of the team's sponsoring Institution(s) must also be displayed prominently on each vehicle. Additional graphics are permitted provided they are neither offensive nor disruptive.

 

E8.2 Lead Vehicle: Each team must provide a support vehicle meeting Ontario and Québec Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to alert oncoming traffic to the presence of the solar car. This "lead" vehicle must travel within 500 meters ahead of the solar car, with its headlights on and with roof-mounted flashing amber lights. The lead vehicle may not tow a trailer. The lead vehicle must display the team's solar car number on its front windshield (at least 15-cm tall), in addition to both sides and the rear. The lead vehicle shall not be larger in height or length than a standard 15-passenger, full-size van.

 

E8.3 Chase Vehicle: Each team must provide a support vehicle meeting Ontario/Quebec Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to protect the solar car from the rear. This "chase" vehicle must follow directly behind the solar car, with roof-mounted, flashing amber lights. A sign must appear on the rear of the chase vehicle or its trailer to warn overtaking traffic of the solar car in the middle of the convoy.

 

E8.4 Communication: The chase vehicle must be in two-way radio communication with the solar car at all times using cellular or radio technology. All two-way radio channels must be registered with CSDC Headquarters by April 30th. All teams must also have a continuously monitored CB radio in the chase vehicle tuned to a designated channel to communicate with other nearby teams and Officials. All teams will be provided with a cellular phone by Challenge Headquarters to be carried in the chase vehicles. The phone will be used by the race organisers to contact the teams to determine positioning on the route and to communicate with the observer if necessary. The cellular phone must be continuously monitored. [v2.0]

E9: Passing on Two-Lane Roads: Because the Route will include two-lane roads, there will be times when solar cars and their lead and chase vehicles will need to pull over while being overtaken. Teams need not disrupt their own progress to permit other vehicles to pass when they themselves are trapped behind other traffic.

E9.1 Passing Traffic: When six or more vehicles are lined up behind a team's chase vehicle, the team must pull over as soon as safely possible to allow traffic to pass.

 

E9.2 Passing Teams: In the event that one team is overtaken by another, the overtaking team can signal their intention to pass by flashing the headlights of their lead vehicle between high and low beam. The overtaking team must also attempt to make CB radio contact with the team being passed to coordinate the pass. Once the overtaking team has signalled their intention to pass, the team being passed must facilitate the pass at the first available safe opportunity, either by slowing down by at least 8k/h in a zone where passing is permitted and feasible, or by pulling completely out of the traffic lane.

E10: Drafting: Drafting by a solar car is prohibited. A solar car will be considered to be drafting if it continuously follows behind another vehicle at less than a three-second interval. The only exception to this is in congested traffic at speeds of 40kph or less.

E11: Pushing: Except for the following situations, solar cars may not be pushed or pulled from the time they are moved into their starting position for the daily start until they reach the finish line later that day. In no case shall regenerative braking be engaged while pushing or pulling the solar car.

E11.1: Pit Stop: Solar cars may be pushed within the confined area of the Pit Stop.

 

E11.2: Emergency: In an emergency or breakdown situation, the solar car may be pushed off the roadway. The solar car may then be pushed back onto the roadway at the same location where it left the roadway.

 

E11.3: Weather: The solar car may be pushed onto and off of a trailer to protect it from the weather, provided the solar car is moved back into its original location after is it unloaded from the trailer.

 

E11.4: Trailering: Should it become necessary to load the solar car onto a trailer for transport to the finish line, it may be pushed onto the trailer.

E12: Accidents and Reinspection: All accidents involving either solar cars or support vehicles must be reported immediately to CSDC Headquarters. In the case of an accident involving personal injury, notification of the appropriate emergency medical services and public safety officials shall take priority. If a solar car is involved in an accident resulting in structural damage, it must be checked by an Official to understand the cause of the accident and to verify structural integrity before driving is resumed. The Inspector may require that repairs be made to the car prior to resuming the Challenge. Any incident involving loss of control of the solar car shall be treated as an accident and shall require reinspection of the solar vehicle prior to resuming the competition.

E13: Timing: Distance determinations for the Event will be the responsibility of Challenge Officials. No other distance information will be recognized by Headquarters.

E13.1: Official Start Time: Each team will be assigned a start time each day, which will be distributed to the teams at the morning Driver's Meeting. If the start of the driving day is delayed, then all assigned start times for that day will be adjusted accordingly. If the team leaves the starting line at their assigned time, then that becomes their Official Start Time for that day. If the team leaves before their assigned time because they were moved forward in the queue by the Start Line Officials, then the team's Official Start Time is their actual start time. If the team leaves after their assigned time because they weren't ready, then the team's Official Start Time is still their assigned time.

 

E13.2: Travelling Hours: All teams have 8 hours to reach the day's finish line. Teams that have not reached the finish line must stop promptly 8 hours after their Official Start Time.

 

E13.3 Team's Completing the Day's Route: Teams that complete the day's route within their 8 hour limit will have their Daily Elapsed Time based on the actual time that elapsed from their Official Start Time until the team's solar car crosses the official finish line for that day.

 

E13.4: Teams Not Completing the Day's Route: Teams that do not complete the day's entire route within 8 hours will load their solar car onto a trailer for transport to the finish line. Their Daily Elapsed Time will be calculated as the allowed driving time for the day (usually 8 hours) plus 2 minutes [v2.0] per kilometre of distance not covered on the day's official route.

Example - based on an 8 hour day and 27 kilometres not driven

Daily Elapsed Time = 8 hours + (2 mins/km x 27) = 8 hours, 54 minutes

 

E13.5: Teams Off-Course: If a team departs from the designated route they must return to the exact point at which they travelled off the route and continue on the correct route. Failure to return to the route at the exact point at which they went off-course will result in a trailering penalty of 3 mins/km from the exact point at which they went off the route to the Finish Line. No credit will be given for the time the team was off-course.

 

E13.6: Pit Stop Credit: All teams that reach the designated Pit Stop before 1500 and wait the designated time (usually 15 minutes) will receive a 15-minute Pit Stop Credit.

 

E13.7: Official Elapsed Time: Each team's Official Elapsed Time for each day will be that team's Daily Elapsed Time minus their Pit Stop Credit (if any) plus any penalties for that day plus any protest filing fees for that day. *Note - the Official Elapsed Time is not final until the end of the race owing to delays in Protest Filings and the possibility of penalties being overturned.

Official Elapsed Time = Daily Elapsed Time - Pit Stop Credit + Penalties + Protest Filing Fees.

E14: Overnight Stops: Once a team's solar car arrives in the vicinity of the finish line each day, the movement of that team's vehicles shall be under control of Challenge Officials. Specific areas will be designated for solar charging, Impound, support vehicle parking, and Challenge Headquarters. These areas may become the staging area for the start of racing the following morning. Solar cars may be pushed within and between these areas, but regenerative braking may not be used during such times.

E14.1: Support Vehicle Parking: All support vehicles must be parked in designated areas. Support vehicles will not be allowed into the charging areas.

 

E14.2: Impound: All cars will be impounded in each team's trailers and will be secured under the direction of Event Security. The solar car must be complete with no parts missing when placed in Impound. There will be no maintenance allowed on the solar cars while impounded and no team members are allowed in their trailers once their vehicle is impounded. All solar cars must be impounded by 9:00 pm each driving day. Teams are responsible for impounding their solar car in time for this deadline. Teams may start removing their solar cars from the Impound beginning at 6:00 am the next day.

 

E14.3: Accommodations and Lodging: All teams are responsible for team accommodations and food during the Challenge.

E15: Observers: Trained Observers, selected and sponsored by Challenge Headquarters, will travel with each team to alert the Inspectors to possible infractions of these Regulations. The Observer has the authority to warn teams when they believe that a rule infraction is imminent. Observers may not interpret these Regulations, give advice on driving strategy or assist teams with map reading or route directions. Observers will be rotated in their team assignments at least daily.

E15.1: Observer Accommodation: Teams must allow the Observer the seat of her/his choice behind the driver in the chase vehicle. The Observer must be able to see the solar car and read the chase vehicle's speedometer from this location, and must also be able to determine, at least periodically, how many vehicles are following behind the team.

 

E15.2: Observer Record of Performance: The details of the activities of a team will be recorded in a log book carried by the Observer. The team leader will be permitted to review the book each day; however, failure to do so does not make any record invalid. The records kept by the Observer include the Official Start Time, stopping times (including Pit Stop), the distances travelled, and any apparent rule infractions either by their assigned team or by any other team.

 

E15.3: Observer Access for Inspection: Observers will be assigned to keep each solar car in sight from the start line to the finish line each day. The Observers shall witness any and all work done on the solar cars during this period. The Observers must be allowed access to the solar cars for inspection of ballast during all driver changes.

E16: Penalties: Any team failing to comply with these Regulations during Scrutineering or the Challenge will be penalized. Penalties range from official warnings to disqualification from the Challenge. It is the responsibility of the Jury, with input from other Inspectors and the Observers, to determine whether an infraction occurred, the severity of the incident, and the appropriate penalty. All penalties will be submitted by the Jury to Challenge Headquarters for subsequent posting. Disqualification of a team from the Event requires concurrence of the Director.

E16.1: Posting of Penalties All Penalties will be posted at Challenge Headquarters by 0800 the following morning and penalized time will be added to the Official Elapsed Time of the day the penalised incident occurred. On the last day of racing, time penalties will be posted no later that 30 minutes after the finish of the Challenge.

 

E16.2: Conduct: Penalties, including disqualification from the Event, may be imposed for improper conduct or the use of alcohol or illegal substances. Improper conduct may include, but is not limited to, improper language, unsportmanslike conduct, unsafe behaviour, or cheating.

 

E16.3: Non-Solar Charging of Batteries: After the start of the Challenge, on 31st May, 1997, until the finish, 3rd June, 1997, teams will be disqualified from the Challenge for charging their solar car's storage batteries from any other source of energy other than the solar car's solar array.

 

E16.4: Replacement of Batteries: Decisions to exchange all or part of a battery must be communicated formally to the team's Observer or an Inspector. The penalty will be computed as follows:

• Time Penalty (minutes) = 480 x (n+S)/N, where:
  • n = number of replacement modules
  • S = sum of all modules previously replaced
  • N= total number of modules in solar car battery pack

 

E16.3: Disturbing Official Battery Seals: Solar-car batteries will be marked with an official seal. Disturbing these seals in a manner that prevents proper identification by Inspectors will be penalized as though all of the battery modules had been replaced.

 

E16.4: Traffic Violations: Any solar car committing a traffic violation will be penalized up to 15 minutes for each violation. Any solar car driver who commits three traffic violations over the course of the Challenge will be individually disqualified from the Event.

 

E16.5: Failure to Allow Other Traffic to Pass: Any team failing to properly facilitate passing by traffic or other teams will be penalized up to 15 minutes for each offense.

 

E16.6: Drafting: A penalty of up to 1 minute will be assessed for each minute that a solar car drafts behind another vehicle.

 

E16.7: Pushing: A penalty of up to 15 minutes will be assessed each time it is necessary for a team to push or pull their solar car in order to advance along the Challenge route. A penalty of 1 min. for every second a team pushes or pulls their solar car along the Route will be imposed. A team pushing their vehicle for more than 15 seconds is considered unable to complete the leg and must trailer their vehicle to the finish line. The Official Elapsed Time will be calculated based upon paragraph E12.4: Teams Not Completing the Day's Route.

 

E16.8: Improper Ballast: A penalty of 60 minutes will be assessed for every team that operates their solar car with ballast that does not match the solar car driver.

 

E16.9: Failure to Impound: A penalty of 3 minutes will be assessed for every minute between 9:00 pm and 6:00am a solar car is not in Impound.

 

E16.10: Exceeding Size Specifications: Oversized solar arrays will be penalized up to 10 minutes per day per excess centimetre in each dimension beyond the allowed size specification. Oversized solar cars will be penalized up to 5 minutes per day per excess centimetre in each dimension. If both the array and car are oversized, both penalties will apply.

E17: Protests: Any team desiring to file a protest must do so by submitting an official protest form to Challenge Headquarters. Protests may be filed for any reason, including disputing a penalty levied against any team, correcting timing errors, or protesting the actions of another team. A "filing fee" of 10 minutes will be assessed against the team's Official Elapsed Time for the day on which the protest is filed. All protests will be heard by the Jury, whose decision is final.

E17.1 Time Limit - Except for the last day, all protests against penalties must be filed by 2030 pm the day the penalty is posted. Protests that do not directly relate to a penalty must be filed by 2030 pm on the day after the offense occurred. On the last day of racing, protests for any purpose must be filed within 60 minutes after the finish of the Challenge.

 

E17.2: Opportunity to be Heard: Protests will normally be heard by the jury at the earliest possible jury sitting. It may be necessary in some instances for the jury to postpone the hearing on a protest.

 

E17.3: Protest Judgments: The decision of the Jury is final and no further appeals are allowed. The Jury will notify Challenge Headquarters of their decision, and Challenge Headquarters will then inform the affected teams. The Jury may refund some or all of the filing fee, which will be credited to the day the filing fee was assessed.

References:

1995 Canadian Solar Challenge Rules and Regulations, May 1993

1996 Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge Rules and Regulations, Final Version

1993 World Solar Challenge Rules and Regulations

1996 World Solar Challenge Rules and Regulations

Sunrayce 95 Regulations

Sunrayce 97 Regulations, April 1996 Edition.

Appendix 1:

1996 Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge Organising Committee

Al-Nagi, Rasha; The University of Western Ontario

Brunger, Alfred; SESCI, Board Representitive

Còté, Maia; SESCI

Delage, Mike; Queen's University

Hurkens, Jesse; École de technologie supérieure

Luce, Carolyn; SESCI, Volunteer Coordinator

McKirdy, Alexandra; SESCI, Project Director

McKirdy, Sheila; SESCI, Managing Consultant

McPherson, Jennifer; SESCI, Fundraising & Public Relations

Muus, Paul; University of Ottawa

Peck, Mike; University of Waterloo

Rosenfeld, Adam; McGill University

1996 Canadian Solar Discovery Challenge Jury

Briggs, Richard; Computer Engineer, Vitana Corporation

Brunger, Alfred; University of Waterloo, SESCI, Board Representitive

Ross, Brian, P. Eng.; Toronto Board of Education