Behind the Series: Race to the Finish Line – Their Toughest Deadline Yet
From Design to Documentation
The transition from a collection of parts to a functional solar vehicle requires precise integration. In the second installment of our miniseries, Race to the Finish Line, we follow the University of Texas Longhorn Racing Solar Team during the crucial months leading up to the unveiling of their car, Daybreak.
For the electrical team, the focus is on the wiring harness. Managing the network of wires that connects enclosures from the front to the back of the frame requires significant attention to detail. Fortunately, the team has Eplan in their toolkit. Using Eplan Education, the students can export precise manufacturing data, accounting for variables such as twisting and sheathing, to ensure the harness is built correctly the first time.
Validation Under Pressure
Engineering challenges are intensifying in the weeks leading up to the deadline. This episode captures the team in the final stretch of building. Viewers will see the team:
- Calibrate the sensors to ensure irradiance sensors accurately correlate sunlight intensity to electrical current.
- Test structural integrity by subjecting the shell and “belly band” to weight loads exceeding 250 lbs. to simulating driver impact.
- Refine power conversions by adjusting MPPT algorithms to maximize energy intake from the solar array.
Despite the demanding schedule, the team’s reliance on sound design principles and clear communication keeps the project moving forward. Daybreak now sits on its own wheels with a completed livery, a marked step toward its development cycle.
Watch the full episode and view other content from Eplan on the official Eplan USA YouTube channel and stay tuned for what’s next!