Solar-powered Four Rider Bicycle - Supernova
Production date
1980s
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Solar-powered Four Rider Bicycle - Supernova, four-person solar/human powered bicycle featuring a large, 4.6 x 1.3 metre rectangular fibreglass parasol covered on the upper surface with solar cells. The front wheel and front driving position is shielded by a large but light fairing. An electric motor is mounted between riders 3 and 4, and is linked to the rear wheel through a chain drive. An electrical circuit box is mounted on a frame over the rear wheel, behind the last rider. The bike is painted red, with chrome highlights.
Classification
TRANSPORT Bicycles
ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY Appliances and Accessories
TRANSPORT Motor Cycles
ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY Appliances and Accessories
TRANSPORT Motor Cycles
Production date
1980s
Production place
Measurements
L4685 x W1360 x H1980 mm
Media/Materials description
Steel, plastic, rubber, fibreglass, electronics, solar panels.
Signature/Marks
TUV Baden e.V. \ gepruft
SUPERNOVA \ SUPERNOVA AUSTRALIA
SUPERNOVA \ AUSTRALIA \ ABINA LIMITED \ FIRE PIPE
AERL Australian Energy Research Laboratories \ MAXIMIZER \ FOR THE PERFECT MATCH \ THE UNIVERSAL MAXIMUM \ POWER POINT TRACKER FOR \ USE ON ALL PV SYSTEMS \ KEEP THIS UNIT OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT \ MAXIMISER 600 B (?) 600 WATT BATTERY CHARGING MODEL \ INPUT VOLTAGE <illegible> 18 to 160 V (OPEN CIRCUIT) \ MAX INPUT CURRENT 8 a MAX OUTPUT CURRENT 20 a \ CAUTION - THIS DEVICE OPERATES AT LETHAL DC VOLTAGE LEVELS
SUPERNOVA \ 11 \ Mobel \ Pfister \ gut schweizerisch \ SCHWELZER \ ILLUSTRIERTE \ AUSTRALIA
Turbo
CAVES \ CYCLES \ SALES & \ SERVICE
PETER C<overwritten> Hertz <overwritten> ARTNERS
SUPERNOVA \ SUPERNOVA AUSTRALIA
SUPERNOVA \ AUSTRALIA \ ABINA LIMITED \ FIRE PIPE
AERL Australian Energy Research Laboratories \ MAXIMIZER \ FOR THE PERFECT MATCH \ THE UNIVERSAL MAXIMUM \ POWER POINT TRACKER FOR \ USE ON ALL PV SYSTEMS \ KEEP THIS UNIT OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT \ MAXIMISER 600 B (?) 600 WATT BATTERY CHARGING MODEL \ INPUT VOLTAGE <illegible> 18 to 160 V (OPEN CIRCUIT) \ MAX INPUT CURRENT 8 a MAX OUTPUT CURRENT 20 a \ CAUTION - THIS DEVICE OPERATES AT LETHAL DC VOLTAGE LEVELS
SUPERNOVA \ 11 \ Mobel \ Pfister \ gut schweizerisch \ SCHWELZER \ ILLUSTRIERTE \ AUSTRALIA
Turbo
CAVES \ CYCLES \ SALES & \ SERVICE
PETER C<overwritten> Hertz <overwritten> ARTNERS
History and use
This solar powered four seater bicycle was built at University of Queensland’s Solar Energy Research Centre (SERC) in 1984 to demonstrate innovations in the use of combined solar and human energy.
Originally called the Solar Tandem, the bicycle is a solar/human hybrid vehicle that was built to demonstrate how two renewable energy sources (muscle power and solar power) could be combined to power a lightweight, low cost, low maintenance, non-polluting multi-passenger vehicle.
The Solar Tandem was later named Supernova Australia.
Originally called the Solar Tandem, the bicycle is a solar/human hybrid vehicle that was built to demonstrate how two renewable energy sources (muscle power and solar power) could be combined to power a lightweight, low cost, low maintenance, non-polluting multi-passenger vehicle.
The Solar Tandem was later named Supernova Australia.
Associated person
Registration number
H48798
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