Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Australia
Resuming after a four-year absence, the world famous Bridgestone World Solar Challenge will take place from October 22 to 29. Thirty eight teams from around the world competing in three classes will make the 3,000 km drive from Darwin to Adelaide, all on self-developed solar race cars.
To maximize the energy efficiency of its Challenger-Class No. 85 solar race car, Team αCentauri from ETH Zurich, Switzerland is incorporating a PowiGaN-based InnoSwitch3 switcher IC from Power Integrations in its DC-DC converter, which achieves up to 95.7% efficiency when tested in the car.
To document the PowiGaN solution's journey through the Australian Outback, Mr. Green's Blog will make the journey Down Under and cheer on Team αCentauri through the entire race in our #PowiGaNVan.
InnoSwitch with PowiGaN
The highly reliable isolated DC-DC converter used by Team αCentauri safely bridges the No. 85 solar car's high-voltage battery system with the low-voltage system which powers all the lights, sensors and control functions in the car. This compact and rugged solution ensures system stability in the Australia Outback.
- InnoSwitch flyback switcher IC
- Output: 50 W (12 V, 4.2 A)
- Input: 90 - 150 VDC
- Efficiency: 95.7%
- Reference Design: RDR-747 (Modified)
You can follow Mr. Green's Australian adventure by following the blog, as well as Power Integrations official YouTube Channel and LinkedIn Page.
