Tackling a seemingly insurmountable problem, Clemson University automotive engineering graduate students have designed and built a solar-powered electric vehicle that produces more energy than it consumes in the latest iteration of the university’s Deep Orange program.
Deep Orange 17, dubbed the Luminetta, was unveiled Aug. 6 at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research.
Energy-positive urban commuter
Developed in collaboration with BMW North America, Deep Orange 17 was inspired by a simple, if daunting, challenge from BMW researchers: build a vehicle that generates more energy than it consumes during everyday driving. Deep Orange Program Director Greg Mocko said the challenge prompted students to think differently about sustainability and mobility.
“The team didn’t look at a book and find the answer,” Mocko said. “This really required some innovative thinking and innovative ways of approaching this problem.”
The team started by focusing on how people actually use their cars and quickly realized most vehicles are parked for the majority of the day. This created the opportunity to capture solar energy while the vehicle is parked and also while the car is in use. Ultimately, this led the team to design a lightweight, solar-powered coupe aimed at urban drivers averaging a 12-mile commute.
Weighing just more than 1,200 pounds and integrating more than 1,700 photovoltaic cells, the Luminetta generated enough surplus energy to extend the vehicle’s range an additional 31 miles during testing.
Designed with weight-saving efficiency in mind, the Luminetta’s frame consists of structural steel, aluminum and carbon fiber elements. The retro-modernist exterior draws inspiration from BMW’s design heritage while incorporating modern aerodynamic styling.
The two-seat interior incorporates real-time telemetry and advanced computer technology along with familiar interfaces like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
As Deep Orange 17 Chief Vehicle Engineer Abhay Harinarayanan explained, the target driver for the vehicle is an urban driver with a 30-minute commute to and from work covering a distance of about 22 kilometers, or 12 miles. That informed decisions about the drivetrain, battery storage and the amount of solar energy generation capacity needed.
“(The Luminetta) is truly energy positive, and it’s meant for the daily driver,” Harinarayanan said.
Deep Orange 17 fast facts
- Model name — Luminetta
- Body style — two-door coupe
- Power — solar electric
- Weight — 1,212 pounds (550 kilograms)
- Range — approximately 45 kilometers (about 28 miles)
- Target user — urban commuter
