UNSW Sunswift II sets off for World Solar Challenge
3rd October 2003
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| Andrew Pratley and Prof Rory Hume |
The only entirely student designed and built Australian solar car, UNSW Sunswift II, sets off for Darwin on Monday October 6 to compete in the 2003 World Solar Challenge.
The seventh biennial World Solar Challenge is the premier international solar racing event with more than 30 teams competing from five continents. Racing from Darwin to Adelaide, a distance of 3010km, in searing temperatures, teams will be testing the latest in solar energy technology.
Using the same amount of power as a toaster, UNSW Sunswift II is capable of travelling faster than 120km/h.
Founded in 1995, the Sunswift project has involved the skills and efforts of more than 200 students. The innovative team has produced two world firsts – manufacturing their own solar cells from scratch and designing and building curved solar panels using a revolutionary new encapsulation technique. The car’s unique curved shell design allows for higher aerodynamic efficiency.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rory Hume, patron of the UNSW Solar Racing Team, launched the 2003 World Solar Challenge campaign at the University last week. He presented each team member with a certificate of appreciation and commended the team for their world class efforts.
UNSW Solar Racing Team Project Manager and third year manufacturing engineering and psychology student, Andrew Pratley, has high hopes for the team. “This year will be our fourth time competing in the race, and we are hoping for a strong top 10 finish,” he said.
The race runs from October 19 – October 28. To track the team’s progress and for more information about the car, visit the UNSW Solar Racing Team’s website
The seventh biennial World Solar Challenge is the premier international solar racing event with more than 30 teams competing from five continents. Racing from Darwin to Adelaide, a distance of 3010km, in searing temperatures, teams will be testing the latest in solar energy technology.
Using the same amount of power as a toaster, UNSW Sunswift II is capable of travelling faster than 120km/h.
Founded in 1995, the Sunswift project has involved the skills and efforts of more than 200 students. The innovative team has produced two world firsts – manufacturing their own solar cells from scratch and designing and building curved solar panels using a revolutionary new encapsulation technique. The car’s unique curved shell design allows for higher aerodynamic efficiency.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Rory Hume, patron of the UNSW Solar Racing Team, launched the 2003 World Solar Challenge campaign at the University last week. He presented each team member with a certificate of appreciation and commended the team for their world class efforts.
UNSW Solar Racing Team Project Manager and third year manufacturing engineering and psychology student, Andrew Pratley, has high hopes for the team. “This year will be our fourth time competing in the race, and we are hoping for a strong top 10 finish,” he said.
The race runs from October 19 – October 28. To track the team’s progress and for more information about the car, visit the UNSW Solar Racing Team’s website
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