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Re: StephanieVanbryce post# 207832

Sunday, 10/06/2013 12:46:26 AM

Sunday, October 06, 2013 12:46:26 AM

Post# of 575268
2013 Solar Car Unveiling HD umnCSE umnCSE 374 views

"Elon Musk unveils Hyperloop, a futuristic, solar-powered supersonic pod-train"



Published on Jul 26, 2013

The University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project team unveiled its newest solar-hybrid car at a special event for the media, sponsors and supporters on July 18, 2013. This was the first public viewing of the car in preparation for the 2013 World Solar Challenge, a 3,000-kilometer (1,864-mile) race across the Australian Outback starting in Darwin and heading south to Adelaide. The race runs from Oct. 6-13, 2013.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBCnLDSUe7Q

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Futuristic solar cars launch from Darwin for World Solar Challenge

By Clare Rawlinson Updated Updated 6 hours 5 minutes ago [updated]


The world's first four-seater solar car, Stella Photo: The world's
first four-seater solar car, Stella, made by Dutch team Eindhoven. (ABC)

Related Story: Accident spurs solar car team race against time
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-03/solar-car-challenge-vehicle-crashes-darwin-cambridge-university/4995530

Map: Darwin 0800 .. http://maps.google.com/?q=-12.4668,130.8433(Darwin%200800)&z=5

Years of engineering and hundreds of thousands of dollars in technology will be put to the test today, as 40 solar cars hit the highway in a 3,000km race across Australia.

This morning the World Solar Challenge begins in Darwin, where the competing teams from 23 countries around the world gather before sunrise to capture the first rays of precious energy.

Many of the same competitors have returned for the fierce outback trek, but this year, there is a new focus.

While former winning teams Nuon from the Netherlands and Tokai from Japan will race in the "challenger" class - where speed wins - some cars will be judged on their practicality above all else.

This is in the inaugural Cruiser Class, which requires entrants to meet road regulations in their home countries, and to seat at least two people.


Photo: Bad start: The University of Cambridge's solar car crashes during a test drive near Darwin. (ABC)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-06/cambridge-university-solar-car-crashes/5001098

It shows a shift towards solar car technology reaching the mainstream, and pushing those developing the technology to search for the sustainable alternative to petrol-powered cars.

Two Australian teams have taken on this challenge, University of NSW and TAFE SA, but the real game changer in the Cruiser Class is Dutch team Eindhoven's car Stella – the world's first four-seat solar car.

While it does not really resemble a normal car, its bus-like facade and tear-drop profile is still much less space-age than the typical solar car.

Also new to the rules this year is a requirement for four wheels on cars in the Challenger Class - again signalling a push towards the mainstream.

The extra wheel brings weight, and the burden of wasted energy, but every effort is made to make up for lost power.

Some cars weigh as little as 150kg without their driver, therefore maximising efficiency but also increasing the dangers that come with a less sturdy vehicle.

One Challenger Class team from the University of Cambridge has already paid the price for having less grip and weight on the road.

They have crashed twice during test drives near Darwin.

Last race interrupted by bushfires

Organisers say the official scrutineering ahead of the race ensures it will be as safe as possible. Still, many unknowns lie ahead.

The last race, in 2011, was interrupted by bushfires in Central Australia.


Photo: The team from Kaohsiung University in Taiwan prepare their solar car. (Supplied)
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-06/kaohsiung-university-prepare-solar-car/5001100

And while a strong set of sunrays is fairly reliable in the Northern Territory at this time of year, teams will still be negotiating their strict driving times to optimise the energy they harness.

Driving is allowed between 8am and 5pm each day, but if cars wish to extend their drive to 5.17pm, in order to reach a spot by the road with greater exposure, they may do so.

In return, they then have to leave the following morning at 8.17am.

Such is their dedication to the challenge that the cars stop and camp each night on the ride of the Stuart Highway wherever they may be at the end of the day.

The race ends in Adelaide on Thursday, with a well-earned celebration for the teams, but one that probably feels a very long way away.

For now, the World Solar Challenge adventure is set to begin - and the forecast is a sunny 34 degrees in Darwin.

Tweets

5h Clare Rawlinson @clarerawlinson
NSW Uni solar car SunSwift takes off from Darwin! #WSC13 ..
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WSC13&src=hash ..
pic.twitter.com/5V9ykvwaMp .. http://t.co/5V9ykvwaMp



http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-06/world-solar-car-challenge-takes-off-from-darwin/5001088

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World solar challenge Chris Sellwood interview 2011


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDj37385nkg

.. hey .. thanks for your mention of focus .. lol .. for sure i need a mention on that once-in-while .. late
thought .. heaps of photos here .. https://www.facebook.com/WorldSolarChallenge/photos_stream


It was Plato who said, “He, O men, is the wisest, who like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing”

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