TW4XP - Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE

This innovative side- by-side two seat city car eschews a steering wheel for outstanding visibility and ease of entry/exit instead by using two control sticks and buttons to control the speed and direction of the car. A lightweight aluminum chassis and all-electric drive using high torque motor operating a wheel speed (no transmission or gear reduction needed) with integral differential weighed in at just 1545 pounds. This car uses an 800V lithium-ion manganese battery pack and an inverter adapted from a wind turbine power generator. This unusually high vehicle voltage level reduces electrical losses and increases overall vehicle efficiency while using standard electric components. Employing a technique just now being considered by OEMs, this team charges their batteries through their motor and controller. Team name: TW4XP, which stands for ThreeWheeler for X Prize Location: Germany Vehicle name: Project TW4XP Class: Alternative Side by Side No. of wheels: Three Passengers: Two Drive type: Battery electric For more information: progressiveautoxprize.org GET INVOLVED! Watch Awards Show Live 9 progressiveautoxprize.org Blog autoblog.xprize.org Facebook facebook.com Twitter twitter.com Flickr flickr.com

Alternative power. Off the grid living. Solar Panels: Generating power while at sea or anchored out. Using my boat Angel as an example, this simple visual intro demonstrates a 12 volt DC marine solar power system (photovoltaics) in use. More tech. detail can be found in Southwinds Magazine, May 2011 issue. (free downloads at www.southwindsmagazine.com) The article explores common ?'s such as: How much power does your boat need, selecting solar panels, charge controllers & cost comparison to a fuel-based charging system. Note: these systems aren't perfect; a series of cloudy days will reduce those available amp hours from the battery bank. In long periods of cloudy weather, I run Angel's engine (under a load), its alternator keeping the batteries from getting too low. Also check out: www.solarreviewonline.com which leads to Cathy Mitschele's helpful eBook, http
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