The World Solar Challenge isn’t the only solar car race happening in the nation at the moment – in Western Australia, the Model Solar Challenge 2011 has kicked off.
The Sustainable Energy Association of Australia is hosting the 20th year of the Australian Model Boat and Car Solar Challenge, being held at the Esplanade in Fremantle.
The challenge aims to inspire primary and secondary school students to become energy ambassadors by raising their awareness on ways to create, use and conserve energy.
In the Car Solar Challenge, vehicles cannot utilise any chassis or body part of any commercially available model car – the students must design and construct theirs from scratch. Maximum car size allowed is 550mm long, 180mm high and 320mm wide.
No energy storage system, whether an electrical, mechanical or chemical battery that assists in the performance of the car is allowed and only commercially available silicon photovoltaic cells can be used. The students have free reign as to the type, size, or number of electric motors fitted to their cars and for the most part wheels and tyres too, although knife edge wheels are not allowed.
The car race occurs on a figure 8 track where two cars race at a time, guided by parallel guide channels attached to the track surface.
The SEA says beyond the renewable energy aspect, teamwork combined with planning and approach to the overall project can help develop skills and personal qualities in students beyond what is possible in the classroom.
"This challenge will help educate the next generation of leaders and promote the benefits of a more sustainable lower carbon future," Professor Ray Wills, SEA CEO.
231 students from 42 schools are registered for the event. Time trials start today, running between 10 AM and 2 PM Western Australia Time. Racing commences tomorrow at 9.30 AM, finishing at 2 PM.
