Site closed

Unfortunately, this site will no longer be updated by me. I really enjoyed blogging about the WSC2009, but this year I'm not going to write a lot about it all again.

There are still other websites that will blog about the upcoming WSC: solarwebsite.nl for example, and the websites of the organization and the participating teams of course. But if you have WSC experience and are interested in taking over this website, just contact me!

Thx to the co-authors(Andre,Sjaak,Willianne) for the help, and all the visitor's comments, and just have fun in upcoming summer!
--Vincent

Michigan: Solar car updates 1-3

Michigan's new team started making videos about the design and construction process of the 2011 solar car, good job! Here are the first three ones.
Report 3


Report 2


Report 1

For the most recent updates, check solarcar.engin.umich.edu

Nuon: WSC2009 compilation

Here is a nice compilation that Nuon made about their 2009 race:

Suzuka Dream Cup

The Suzuka Dream Cup is being held in Japan. Nuon is participating in it and published some videos:

Update: The Suzuka Dream Cup has finished. Results: 1. OSU, 2. Ashiya (+2 laps), 3. Nuon (+5 laps), 4. Aurora (+9 laps) and for the others see www.dream-cup.com.



Finish of second day, and awards


Second heat


First heat


Qualification


Scrutineering


Pitbox tour

Frisian Solar Challenge

The Frisian Solar Challenge has just finished. It is a race for solar-powered boats in Friesland in The Netherlands.

See www.frisiansolarchallenge.nl for the site with all information.


Video of the start: (for more video's check the site)

Bochum: American Solar Challenge

Bochum (also called Solarworld no. 1) participated in the American Solar Challenge 2010 and finished third. They also published lots of interesting videos, not only about their own team and car but also much about the other cars. Good job :)

Day 7


Day 5 and 6


Day 3 and 4


Day 2


Day 1

American Solar Challenge

The American Solar Challenge is underway! Last week, it started with the Formula Sun Grand Prix, which was won by Michigan. This week, the ASC2010 itself is held.

Update: Michigan has also won the ASC2010 itself. Congratulations!

See http://americansolarchallenge.org for all race information, photos and standings. Or check Michigan's site: http://solarcar.engin.umich.edu/ (this also includes live chat about the ASC and WSC-related discussions).


(For Bochum's video reports, see next post!)
Finish of ASC2010

Solar cars at Formula Sun Grand Prix (photo: Bob Phelan)

The ASC2010 route

This is Minnesota's solar car.


This is a promo video about Principia's solar car.

Rule changes for WSC2011

The new website of the World Solar Challenge is online and shows some of the new rules for the 2011 event.

The most interesting one is the new maximum solar panel area, which is 6m² for silicon cells and 3m² for GaAs cells.
This will mean that solar cars with good silicon solar panels will probably be able to generate more energy (!) than those with the most advanced and expensive GaAs cells (under equal circumstances, without concentrators). Can those driving on GaAs fully compensate for it by making the car smaller, and thus more lightweight and aerodynamic?

Another new rule: The front of the car must have an area comprising 30 cm x 150 cm as viewed from a height of 2 m at distance of 5 m for the purpose of sponsorship and event signage.
This may have consequences for the aerodynamics and/or limits the available surface for solar panels.

The complete 2011 rules will follow soon on the WSC website.
Just post your opinions about these new rules in the comments below...

Solar on Waves, Air and Ice

Besides solar-powered vehicles driving on asphalt roads, there are also solar-powered planes and boats being built. Here are some videos about them. (First video is shown below, for the others click Read more >>)

Solar Impulse: Third flight
A nice solar-powered plane is the Solar Impulse. Its construction is about ready and the team is performing test flights. Here you can watch the video of the third flight: (jump to 1:45 for the actual takeoff)


Read more >>

History: South African Solar Challenge 2008, a report by Tokai

In 2008, the South African Solar Challenge was held for the first time. It is a two-week race covering about 4175 km on public roads. Tokai participated in it with their 'Falcon' solar car (the predecessor of the 'Challenger' which won the GGC2009) and Tokai won the event. Here is a nice video report from Tokai (7 minutes). Enjoy!