Solar Car Team Wins Awards in Abu Dhabi
Principia’s newest solar car, Ra 9, placed sixth at the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge (ADSC), a three-day, 1,200-kilometer race through urban and desert landscapes. The field of 15 teams from around the world competed in this inaugural race sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Several of the teams have professional engineers working on their cars. Principia was the only liberal arts college participating.
In addition to its strong finish, Principia’s team received outstanding recognition, sharing the Shell Innovation Award with the Petroleum Institute’s team. This award is presented for “. . . outstanding technical ingenuity along with optimal use of new materials, components, and inventions.”
Even more impressive, perhaps, Principia College was the unanimous choice for the International Solarcar Federation’s Quiet Achiever Award, named for the first solar car ever built. The award was presented as a finale at the awards ceremony because it recognizes the team that best represented the mission of the International Solarcar Federation and the spirit of the competition.
Camel Sightings and Skyscrapers
This race provided a different experience for Principia’s team than the American Solar Challenge or World Solar Challenge in Australia. “Not that races are ever ordinary, but the opportunity to participate in an event in a non-Western atmosphere was definitely unique,” says graduate intern Garrett Fielding (C’14). Camel sightings along the route were common, and teams slept in tents in the desert.
“Ra 9 performed extremely well through hilly terrain and very windy conditions,” says first-time driver, sophomore Jackson Walker. “Driving the car [means navigating] a land of 10,000 details. The other drivers helped me know what to expect, develop an action plan, and remain calm through the race.” These drivers were Brian Ritter (US’10, C’14), Kali McKee (C’14), and Tamara Thomas (C’15).
In order to foster solar car racing in the region, several teams partnered with a host university. Principia students gave presentations to students and faculty at their host school, Abu Dhabi Men’s College (ADMC), sharing insights about solar car design, race strategies, and energy efficiency, among other topics. “ADMC students seem really excited to design their first car,” wrote Annika Fredrikson in the team’s trip blog. “Inspiring mutual respect and building a community of learners is really what the whole experience is about.” Students from ADMC rode in Principia’s lead and chase vehicles, assisted the team throughout the race, and acted as local tour guides.
Before the race, Principia’s team found time for a little sightseeing, including the outdoor observation deck on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world; the indoor ski slope at the Mall of the Emirates; 300-meter (or nearly 1,000-foot) sand dunes; and the country’s grandest place of worship, Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Next Up: World Solar Challenge in October
“Ra 9 is on a container ship now and will return to campus in March,” Garrett says with anticipation. “Next is the World Solar Challenge in Australia this October. We have the car running the way we want it to but will make a few minor adjustments to prepare.”
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