The kit is inspired by a design created by PI's PowerPros℠ online support engineers in collaboration with ETH Zurich's aCentauri team , whose No. 85 Challenger-class car, "Silvretta", uses the design to maximize the efficiency of its auxiliary power supply.
“Thousands of engineering students participate in solar car competitions around the world each year, and these innovators will contribute to a more sustainable future,” says Andy Smith, director of technical outreach and training at Power Integrations. “We are offering this reference kit to help young engineers leverage the latest energy-efficient technologies, such as PowiGaN, in their designs.”.
The design kit includes everything needed to create a 46-watt power supply that delivers up to 80 watts for short periods, making it ideal for use as an auxiliary power source in a solar-powered race car. It utilizes the company's InnoSwitch3-AQ flyback power supply IC with a high-efficiency PowiGaN switch and eliminates the need for a heatsink, enabling more compact, lightweight, and cost-effective designs. The kit includes a sample power supply, four InnoSwitch3-AQ ICs, and a component-free printed circuit board. A report is also included containing assembly instructions for the power supply and magnetic transformer, schematics, a PCB layout guide, a parts list, and comprehensive performance data. Live technical support is available from the PowerPros team at Power Integrations.
“We demonstrated the reliability, performance, and efficiency of PowiGaN at the 2023 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge,” said Aaron Griesser, lead electrical engineer for the aCentauri 2023 team. “We achieved 95% efficiency under both light and full loads, with a broad output range of 5 to 60 W. Furthermore, the technical inspection judges were amazed to see an auxiliary power supply without a heatsink.”.
Power Integrations is proud to sponsor the aCentauri team and will be reporting on the race on Mr. Green's blog and on PI's social media channels using the hashtag #PowiGaNVan.
Availability and Resources:
The RDK-85SLR Reference Design Kit is priced at $50. Solar racing car teams can obtain the kit for free by registering online.
