However, we did have an issue with one panel on the array while we were stopped with the battery removed from the car. What happened was what's called a "thermal runaway," where one panel was essentially attacked by the remaining ones. The car was sitting in the sun, and because the battery had been removed and there was nowhere for the energy to go, it was forced backwards through the lowest voltage panel, creating enough heat to destroy the encapsulation. This is what the panel looks like now:
The problem has now been fixed so it won't happen to any remaining cells, but that one is completely dead. Taiwan actually had the exact same problem as us, but have also worked it now.
Despite the issues, we're having a great time with the other teams. We got into Rolla today with lots of time to spare, and got a game of football going with Michigan.
Brandon Heenan
Project Co-Chair, Business Manager