For my tech class we are making miniature solar powered cars with 2 miniature solar panels. I have researched quite a bit about Ohms law and Amps and Voltage but I still do not know what to focus on in the design. I need to know whether to go for a high voltage approach by using a series connection, or whether to go for the high ampere approach and using the parallel connection. The car has to go in a straight line for about 20 feet, all scientific explanation would be very nice.
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This is a pretty tiny machine. I'd let yourself be governed by what is available in that size. Motors will typically be 3 volt motors, so chose among them for one that will fit. Then pick solar cels that will give you that voltage at enough current to drive the motor.
You will be limited by solar cells, I think. They generate only 0.5 volts each, so you need at least 6 in series to get 3 volts. Try to find the most powerful ones that will fit in the area you have. Then pick a motor to match. Too powerful, and the cells won't supply enough current to even turn the motor.
Also note that for a short time, as in your case, you can drastically overload a motor with no problems. So if you can find a 1.5 volt motor, you can drive it with 3 volts or even more.
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You will be limited by solar cells, I think. They generate only 0.5 volts each, so you need at least 6 in series to get 3 volts. Try to find the most powerful ones that will fit in the area you have. Then pick a motor to match. Too powerful, and the cells won't supply enough current to even turn the motor.
Also note that for a short time, as in your case, you can drastically overload a motor with no problems. So if you can find a 1.5 volt motor, you can drive it with 3 volts or even more.
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You should put several solar panels in parallel to obtain more current for your motor.
Voltage is just the 'pressure' at which the current is pushed through the circuit. An electrostatic shock from rubbing your socks against a carpet has an average of 8,000 volts, but not enough current to hurt anyone.
You can also stack those groups of parallel panels in series to increase your voltage.
The weight of the device really depends on the way you design your vehicle. You can use either 3 or 4 wheels, but for 3 wheels you'll have to do some extra calculations to make sure your design is stable and won't tip if you turn too quickly.
Voltage is just the 'pressure' at which the current is pushed through the circuit. An electrostatic shock from rubbing your socks against a carpet has an average of 8,000 volts, but not enough current to hurt anyone.
You can also stack those groups of parallel panels in series to increase your voltage.
The weight of the device really depends on the way you design your vehicle. You can use either 3 or 4 wheels, but for 3 wheels you'll have to do some extra calculations to make sure your design is stable and won't tip if you turn too quickly.
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Amps are basically how much electricity is available, voltage is the " electrical pressure" in the system. So as high an amperage as possible will have the most potential energy. You could make something with billions of volts but without a decent amperage the potential energy would be tiny.
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first go for series connection for your desired voltage
then as per the load you increase the number of parallel
such circuits for your desired rating load current.
then as per the load you increase the number of parallel
such circuits for your desired rating load current.