重口味SM

B-7 features the latest advancements in photovoltaic technologies, a brand new aerodynamic design and improved vehicle dynamics systems, weighing about 20 per cent less than its predecessor (photos by Liz Do)

Blue Sky Solar Racing team unveils new vehicle

Intrepid U of T students have unveiled a new solar vehicle they hope will carry them more than 3,000 kilometres across the harsh Australian outback.

The car, called B-7, hit the track for the first time at a ceremony at Varsity Stadium on June 28.

U of T鈥檚 Blue Sky Solar Racing team has been working on the car for more than 18 months in preparation for their ultimate goal: a top-10 finish in the 2013 World Solar Challenge this fall.

Built and driven entirely by students, B-7 features the latest advancements in photovoltaic technologies, a brand new aerodynamic design and improved vehicle dynamics systems, weighing about 20 per cent less than its predecessor. Due to drastic changes in race regulations this year, B-7 is U of T鈥檚 first single-seater, four-wheeled solar car with an upright driver-seating position. At the last race in 2011, U of T placed 24 of 37 teams with their vehicle Azure.

鈥淚鈥檝e never been in the race before, and I don鈥檛 know what it will feel like,鈥 said Zhe Gong of Electrical Engineering, Blue Sky鈥檚 electrical team lead. 鈥淩ight now it feels pretty good.鈥 Gong said the team spent the past five days preparing the solar array for installation, and they 鈥減ulled two all-nighters to install the panels.鈥

The World Solar Challenge begins October 6, 2013 in Darwin, in Australia鈥檚 Northern Territory, and snakes south across the continent, ending in Adelaide. Once the team reaches Australia, they will concentrate on testing the car and getting through the qualification rounds. About 50 teams from around the world are expected to participate.

鈥淭he Faculty is proud to support the Blue Sky project,鈥 said Dean Cristina Amon of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. 鈥淏ut more than that, I鈥檓 extremely proud of the students' commitment, dedication and achievements, and look forward to cheering the team as it competes with the best in the world in October 鈥榙own under.鈥欌

The Blue Sky Solar Racing team poses with Dean Amon and Mechanical and Industrial Engineering professors Kamran Behdinan (one of the team's faculty advisors), Susan McCahan, vice-dean, Undergraduate, and Jean Zu, MIE chair.

Marit Mitchell is a writer with the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the 重口味SM.

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