STUDENTS from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) hope to do well at this year’s Solar Car World Championship.
The TUT students struggled in the past three races but they have come up with a new plan.
The seven-day event started on 22 September in Menlyn Maine Time Square in Pretoria and it ends in Stellenbosch on 29 September. Participating teams include South Africa, Netherlands, Switzerland, Hong Kong and Japan.
Johannes de Vries, leader of the TUT team, said: “We have a better chance largely due to the skills and knowledge the team gained in the previous races. We believe that we are now better equipped and more knowledgeable about what to expect.”
He said a big problem was the strict regulations of the size of solar panels. This has forced them to reduce the car’s weight and drag.
“Our vehicle is smaller and more aerodynamic than our previous models.
“We also discovered how our designs have improved. I am confident that we will do better in this race.”
RS Components, a global distributor for engineers, is helping TUT do better this year in the 10th race of its kind.
Other partners include Technology Innovation Agency, Hellukabel, Hulamin, MECAD, Yokogawa and a group of people from the university’s departments of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, industrial design, chemical, metallurgical and materials engineering departments.
RS Components is focused on inspiring the next generation of engineers by supporting university programmes aimed at increasing the interest in science, technology, engineering and maths careers.
The TUT Solar Car project encourages engineering students to experiment with new technologies and broaden their practical knowledge.
