Read on for more about mileage boosting, environment-friendly Solar Charging Systems.
Hyundai Kia Automotive Group is taking point for an era of solar-charging cars. The global mobility group is looking to commercialize the solar charging technology and take mileage the extra mile. The Solar Charging System is an innovative technology that charges the car's batteries using solar panels installed on the car.
Why develop the Solar Charging System?
Hyundai Kia Automotive Group's Solar Charging System boosts fuel economy and is also eco-friendly.
This spring, Korea experienced extreme fine-dust particles at near-disaster levels. Then during summer, increased greenhouse gas emissions trapped the country in a heat dome. As a response, Korean authorities are introducing more stringent auto emission regulations where by 2020, Korean automakers will meet allowed average greenhouse gas emissions (GGE) under 97.0g/km and fuel economy at 24.3km/l. Hyundai Kia Automotive Group also set goals of 2020, and presented the Solar Charging System as a solution to meet regulation standards. The system will hit multiple targets, from boosting mileage, meeting emission standards, improving driver QoL, and better economy.
Solar Charging System types by Hyundai Kia Automotive Group
Hyundai Kia Automotive Group is developing three separate Solar Charging Systems; 1st gen silicone-type solar roof, 2nd gen translucent solar roof, and 3rd (next) gen lightweight solar lid.
The Solar Charging System is an auxiliary power source. It works to recharge batteries in motor-powered cars or support power generated by a combustion engine. Hyundai Kia Automotive Group is developing three separate Solar Charging Systems; 1st gen silicone-type solar roof, 2nd gen translucent solar roof, and 3rd (next) gen lightweight solar lid. First gen solar roof goes on hybrid models, a pre-fabricated silicone photovoltaic cell panel attached on a standard roof. Second gen solar roof is designed for combustion-engine vehicles. It is under development to be available as a translucent or open-close design option. Once Solar Charging Systems are implemented on combustion engine vehicles, sales of relevant models will increase, and carbon credits may be awarded towards the cost of observing environmental laws.
Third gen is a lightweight solar lid undergoing advance research for eco-friendly models. Solar cells are integrated directly into the car's lead bonnet and roof for maximum solar harvesting.
How it works
The Solar Charging System is composed of the solar panel, controller, and battery
The Solar Charging System is composed of three components: solar panel, controller, and battery. Sunlight entering the cell surface of a solar panel is separated into electrons and electron holes, releasing energy. For example, a 100W class solar panel given 1Sun unit (summertime midday 1000 W/㎡ light quantity) generates 100W of power. An hour of exposure of sunlight under that condition generates 100Wh of storable energy.
The controller achieves voltage change and MPPT(Maximum power point tracking). The MPPT controls voltage and current in order to raise efficiency of the electric current within the solar cell. This process generates DC power, and once put through the controller, it changes voltage to the automobile's standard current and saved in the battery or put towards lowering alternator load.
The impact of the Solar Charging System
The first-generation solar roof system charges the battery up to 58% in the summer, and up to 30% in the winter.
The first-generation solar roof system charges the battery up to 58% in the summer and 30% in the winter. Furthermore, it can boost fuel economy in real-road driving conditions, as well as significantly reduce carbon emissions. It is a very proactive approach in step with being stricter against carbon emission.
How it is developed
Solar Charging System is approached with innovative development strategies, focus on high-efficiency and design
Hyundai Kia Automotive Group takes innovative development strategies, keeping high-efficiency and design aspects in mind while taking initiatives to develop the Solar Charging System. Goal is set on developing a Solar Charging System that maintains vehicle durability, boosts economy, and captures outstanding design language.
Hyundai Kia Automotive Group is gearing up to implement the 1st gen solar roof on an eco-friendly automobile to be released post-2019 .The Solar Charging System boosts fuel-efficiency, improves range, delivers driver QoL, and is ready to surpass global environmental standards. Solar energy is here to stay, and soon more vehicles and more aspects of vehicles will take advantage of one of mankind's oldest source of power.
