Durham University Solar Car
Encyclopedia
Durham University
Durham University
The University of Durham, commonly known as Durham University, is a university in Durham, England. It was founded by Act of Parliament in 1832 and granted a Royal Charter in 1837...
is undertaking the development of a high-performance solar powered car
Solar car
A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered completely or significantly by direct solar energy. Usually, photovoltaic cells contained in solar panels convert the sun's energy directly into electric energy. The term "solar vehicle" usually implies that solar energy is used to power all or part...
. The vehicle toured the UK in the summer of 2004, visiting secondary schools to promote science and engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
. It is also planned to compete in the World Solar Challenge
World Solar Challenge
The World Solar Challenge is a solar-powered car race which covers through the Australian Outback, from Darwin to Adelaide.The race attracts teams from around the world, most of which are fielded by universities or corporations although some are fielded by high schools...
, a biennial race across Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
for solar powered vehicles.
The project makes use of the expertise in Durham’s School of Engineering
Durham University School of Engineering
The School of Engineering and Computing Sciences at Durham University is the department engaged in the teaching and research of Engineering and Computer Science.The School is a member of the Sterling Group of research-led universities....
across the engineering disciplines. The department has particular expertise in the fields of solar technology
Solar power
Solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar radiation, along with secondary solar-powered resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for most of the available...
, 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, 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
Formula Student
Formula Student is a student engineering competition held annually in the UK. Student teams from around the world design, build, test, and race a small-scale formula style racing car. The cars are judged on a number of criteria as listed below...
.
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. 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.
Sponsors
The project has received support from the Institution of Engineering and TechnologyInstitution of Engineering and Technology
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is a British professional body for those working in engineering and technology in the United Kingdom and worldwide. It was formed in 2006 from two separate institutions: the Institution of Electrical Engineers , dating back to 1871, and the...
, Gurit, Deloitte, Durham University Engineering Society, the Energy Institute
Energy Institute
The Energy Institute, commonly referred to as EI, is the main professional organization for the energy industry within the UK that promotes the safe, environmentally responsible and efficient supply and use of energy in all its forms and applications...
, RS Components
RS Components
RS Components, commonly known as RS, is a global, world leading industrial component distributor headquartered in Corby in the United Kingdom. It distributes to the United Kingdom, most of Europe and Asia and is part of the Electrocomponents group....
, Nissan
Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd
Nissan Motor Manufacturing Ltd, or NMUK is a car manufacturing plant in Washington, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom. It is owned and operated by the European division of Japanese car manufacturer Nissan. It is the largest car plant in the United Kingdom, and the most productive in Europe...
, 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
- Durham University School of EngineeringDurham University School of EngineeringThe School of Engineering and Computing Sciences at Durham University is the department engaged in the teaching and research of Engineering and Computer Science.The School is a member of the Sterling Group of research-led universities....
- World Solar ChallengeWorld Solar ChallengeThe World Solar Challenge is a solar-powered car race which covers through the Australian Outback, from Darwin to Adelaide.The race attracts teams from around the world, most of which are fielded by universities or corporations although some are fielded by high schools...
- North American Solar Challenge
- List of solar car teams
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 EchoThe Northern EchoThe Northern Echo is a leading daily regional morning newspaper, serving the North East of England. The paper is based in Priestgate, Darlington. Its covers national as well as regional news. It is one of the UK's most famous provincial newspaper titles....
, Saturday 28 April 2007 - Ray of hope in solar challenge from The JournalThe Journal (newspaper)The Journal is a daily newspaper produced in Newcastle upon Tyne. Published by ncjMedia, , The Journal is produced every weekday and Saturday morning and is complemented by its sister publications the Evening Chronicle and the Sunday Sun.The newspaper mainly has a middle-class and professional...
, Thursday 3 May 2007 - Light Speed Ahead from the Doncaster Free PressDoncaster Free PressThe Doncaster Free Press is a weekly newspaper in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. It is owned by South Yorkshire Newspapers , a subsidiary of the Johnston Press publishing empire.- Content of the newspaper :...
, Thursday 10 May 2007