Photovoltaic Toy Cars Racing Circuits As Hands-On Learning Solar Energy: Results From A Problem Based Learning (Pbl) Experience For Undergraduates

The Problem Based Learning (PBL) method was implemented for the hands-on learning of photovoltaic (PV) and electronics at the 'General Electronics' undergraduate core course within the BEng in Telecommunication Technologies and the BEng in Telematics. It consisted in the design of a racing circuit for miniature photovoltaic toy cars intended for kids. The students worked in groups of two and they had to build a racing circuit with low cost materials, including a minimum of two PV cars racing, traffic lights, a gate and a winning-car light signal, all solar-powered at 12 V. After manufacturing and testing, the projects were finally presented at a practical demonstration. This article presents the positive results of this experience.