- Durham University Solar Car
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Durham University is undertaking the development of a high-performance solar powered car. The vehicle toured the UK in the summer of 2004[1], visiting secondary schools to promote science and engineering. It is also planned to compete in the World Solar Challenge, a biennial race across Australia for solar powered vehicles.
The project makes use of the expertise in Durham’s School of Engineering across the engineering disciplines. The department has particular expertise in the fields of solar technology, racing car aerodynamics, aircraft structures, direct drive electrical machines and electric/hybrid vehicles. The project has proved extremely popular with students. Undergraduate design teams have developed a number of concept vehicle designs and final year research projects have considered key aspects in detail.
The development of DUSC is now undertaken by a team of people[2], headed by undergraduate students, to ensure it is able to compete in competitive events. The project is run in a similar way to racing teams at other UK universities, which develop conventional racing cars.
DUSC is unique as was the only student racing team in the UK to develop a solar powered car for entry in the 2008 North American Solar Challenge[3]. The team finished 14th in this event, its first competitive outing. It also won the "Best Rookie Team" award.
The team will also enter a car, with improvements based on race experience, in the 2010 American Solar Challenge.
Contents
Sponsors
The project has received support[4] from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Gurit, Deloitte, Durham University Engineering Society, the Energy Institute, RS Components, Nissan, C&D Technologies and EPSRC.
Results
Year Race Car Car Number Entrants Final Position Achievements 2008 North American Solar Challenge DUSC2008 175 24 14 First competitive race
Best Rooke Team
2010 American Solar Challenge DUSC2010 TBC TBC TBC 2011 Global Green Challenge DUSC2011 TBC TBC TBC See also
References
- ^ "Sun-powered car sets off on tour". BBC News Online. 2004-07-04. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wear/3864737.stm. Retrieved 2007-03-28.
- ^ "DUSC Team". Durham University Solar Car. http://www.dur.ac.uk/dusc/team.html. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
- ^ "Solar car in endurance challenge". BBC News Online. 2008-02-19. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wear/7252479.stm. Retrieved 2008-02-19.
- ^ "DUSC Sponsors". Durham University Solar Car. http://www.dur.ac.uk/dusc/sponsor.html. Retrieved 2008-09-19.
External links
- Durham University Solar Car
- Durham University School of Engineering
- Durham University Engineering Society
- World Solar Challenge
- North American Solar Challenge
- Harnessing the sun in 1,800-mile race across Australia from The Northern Echo, Saturday 28 April 2007
- Ray of hope in solar challenge from The Journal, Thursday 3 May 2007
- Light Speed Ahead from the Doncaster Free Press, Thursday 10 May 2007
Categories:- Solar powered vehicle racing
- Durham University
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