university of calgary solar car team
TRANSCRIPT
Community Report 2012
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY SOLAR CAR TEAM
A TIME OF CHANGE
With the unveiling of the University of Calgary Solar Car Team’s 4th generation car, Schulich Delta, it seems fitting to reflect on change and the impetus for change.
Our third generation solar car, Schulich Axiom, performed beautifully at the 2011 World Solar Challenge (WSC) in Australia, allowing us to maintain our position as the number one Canadian team. Both the car and our WSC race team made it home safely—the team with unforgettable memories and experiences, and the car with a legacy as a racing machine.
While in Australia, it became clear to our team that there was a need for more communication and collaboration amongst Canadian solar car teams. We are proud to say that our University of Calgary team stepped up and led the founding of the Canadian Solar Car Alliance, a forum for Canadian university teams to share information and help each other with the logistics of building, shipping and racing solar cars.
The experience and discussions with universities around the globe sparked discussion in our own shop, around the possibility for change.
We were seeing a trend in solar car design; in order to make a car as aerodynamic and efficient as possible, design pushed further and further away from practicality. A design for racing sometimes meant sacrifice in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Like many solar cars, Schulich Axiom , is an excellent example. When the team takes Schulich Axiom out on local roads, people often wonder if it’s a spaceship. At exhibitions and school visits, people ask when they will be able to drive a solar car, or when they will start seeing them more often on the road.
With a drive to innovate and with a proven track record of solar vehicle construction, the team decided to attempt to build a solar car that would be a step closer to making solar-powered vehicles a consumer reality. We decided to build a car unlike anything we have ever dreamed of before; a car that would fit a driver and passenger with room for golf clubs rather than camel back water packs.
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At the same time, we decided that the new direction could not be made at the expense of the team’s racing legacy from previous generations. While our new car would move toward practicality it would also be designed to maintain our tradition of producing top-of-the-line solar race cars.
You can imagine the excitement as the idea took hold. Our new prototype would mark a significant change in direction.
This is what our generation-four car Schulich Delta is all about. Appropriately, delta is the Greek symbol for change! Schulich Delta is one step closer to being a consumer reality, yet is still a high-performance solar race car.
We are excited to tour around Alberta this spring and place it to the test in Australia in October.
As our car design has evolved, so too has our team. We have said goodbye to members who have graduated and joined the working world. Jordyn Troyer, outgoing co-chair and business manager is amongst our graduated members. Her work in starting the generation four project has been monumental. We send Jordyn and all our graduated members on their way with big congratulations for their hard-work and dedication to the team, and with appreciation for setting the bar high for members continuing on and those just joining.
With a solid foundation, we have much to look forward to in 2013.
Susanna Kubik – Co-Chair, Business Manager
Mico Madamesila – Co-Chair, Engineering Manager
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1. The Solar Car Team Mission ………………………………………………
2. About The Solar Car Team ………………………………………………...
3. Team Overview ……………………………………………………………..
4. Communications Team …………………………………………………….
5. Electrical Team ……………………………………………………………...
6. Mechanical Team …………………………………………………………...
7. Accounting Team …………………………………………………………
8. Race Logistics Team ……………………………………………………….
9. Sponsorship Team ………………………………………………………….
List of Sponsors ………………………………………………………………….
2012 – 2013 Solar Car Team Members ……………………………………….
Schulich Delta Specifications …………………………………………………..
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Our team’s mission consists of three components:
Innovate. We continually strive towards innovation and excellence through designing, building and
racing cutting-edge solar cars.
Educate. We believe in creating student energy leaders by providing tangible and meaningful
experiential learning.
Inspire. We believe in investing in the same community that has supported us through our
journey by educating and inspiring youth on the possibilities of sustainable energies.
THE SOLAR CAR TEAM MISSION
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Schulich Axiom Alberta Tour Race Team 2012
Who We Are. A program of inter-disciplinary students, working towards design excellence,
innovation, and building a more sustainable future. The team was founded in 2004
and has grown considerably from a few engineering students to a team of 46
members from disciplines such as Business, Communications, Engineering and
Kinesiology.
What We Do. “Innovate, Educate, Inspire” is the team’s mission. We design, build and race solar
powered cars across international borders. Our primary purpose is to educate the
community about renewable energy and act as a median through which students
of various departments and faculties can collaborate in supporting sustainable
energy.
Why We Do It. Renewable energy sources are crucial to the Earth’s sustainability. Solar energy is
one of the leading sources of green energy and is rapidly developing more
practical applications. Through research and innovation, the Solar Car Team
showcases the potential and capabilities of solar technology being incorporated
into our daily lives.
ABOUT THE SOLAR CAR TEAM
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TEAM OVERVIEW
The University of Calgary Solar Car Team consists of a total of 46 inter-disciplinary
undergraduate students. The team is divided into a business and an engineering team,
which are further divided into 6 sub-teams.
Our communications team is in charge of public relations and community involvement
which reaches over 10,000 people annually. As part of our core commitment in educating
our community, we have reached out to approximately 3,500 students in 2012 alone with
our school visits initiative. The Race Logistics team works closely with our Communications
team when arranging our annual Alberta Tour each spring. The Alberta tour typically lasts 6
days and the Solar Car Team covers approximately 3,000km during this tour that visits
schools across Alberta while testing the solar car. The Race Logistics team is also
responsible for all logistical support during the World Solar Challenge in Australia.
The majority of our funds are used towards building the solar car. For the Generation 4
project, the team took 9 months to design and will take 6 months to complete building the
solar car, which is led by the engineering team. The electrical team plays the critical role of
increasing solar cell efficiency, through research and innovation. They assemble the solar
array, which consists of approximately 370 Mono – crystalline Silicon solar cells and
building the battery, made up of 1,353 lithium – Ion cells.
All of this would not be possible without our accounting team which works with a budget of
just over $560,000 and is responsible for managing cash flow, reimbursements and
conducts frequent budget reviews. In order to reach this budget, the sponsorship team
works hard at developing and maintaining good relationships with sponsors. The
sponsorship team raised over $470,000 with the help of 14 sponsors as of January 2013
and is continuously looking for organizations to partner with.
Schulich Axiom in the shipping container ready to be shipped to Australia for the 2011 World Solar Challenge.
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Holy Spirit Catholic School visit on SAAT 2012.
Fox Creek School visit on SAAT 2012.
The communications team has played an
integral role in the past year in reaching
out to our local community. One of the
biggest accomplishments for the team
was arranging 18 school visits throughout
the year. During these visits, the team
provided interactive presentations to
students and while bringing along
Schulich Axiom for display.
Our annual Schulich Axiom Alberta Tour
(SAAT) was held from April 30 to May 5,
2012. During this six day tour, the team
was able to reach out to approximately
1,000 students and community members.
The team acted not only as Solar Car
Team members, but also as ambassadors
of the University of Calgary.
Through our school visit initiative, we were able to reach out to approximately 3,500 students.
Jillian Stephenson, Communications Manager
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COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
At every event we attend people always ask us, ‘When will I be driving a solar powered car?’ Mico Madamesial, Engineering Manager & Project Co-Chair
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SAAT Schools 2012
- Big Valley School
- Holy Spirit Catholic School
- Lakeland Ridge School
- Barrhead Elementary School
- Fox Creek School
- CP Blakely Elementary
- Sundre High School
- Turner Valley Elementary
Local Schools 2012 - McKenzie Lake School
- Willow Park School
- Simons Valley Elementary School
- Douglasdale School
- Calgary French International School
- Colonel Walker School
- Terry Fox School
- Bishop Pinkham School
- Cappy Smart School
- Western Canada High School
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Schools visited in 2012
Dear Jillian and the Solar Car Team, The team was terrific! Thank you so much for taking the time to inspire young people. It is all too common to learn about a technology like solar transportation, without actually experiencing the concept. Your powerful presentation and showing of the car certainly was experiential education that will benefit students’ learning significantly. The students made many comments about how impressed they were with the car and the team’s presentation. I have had a few students who were a part of “Earth Club” last year who now want to build our own mini solar car! I’m not sure if I will take on this idea or not but I am considering it! I don’t think ours would be made of carbon fiber though, more the wooden “carbon” variety ha-ha. The solar car team presented to approximately 70 students, twice. The total number of Terry Fox students who shared the excellent experience was 135-140. Thank you again and please consider coming back for Citizens in Action day as your team really is a perfect fit. I know you’re busy with other requests but our students never get enough exposure to university students and the idea that they could be at university themselves one day – I truly think you inspire our young people. Sincerely, Tim Mang Teacher at Terry Fox Junior High School
School presentation at school event Schulich Axiom at Brooks Annual Car Show and Shine.
One of the largest community events that the
team was invited to attend this past summer
was a two day event in Brooks, Alberta. This
event was sponsored by the Brooks and Area
Science Olympics and Newalta Corp.
The first day of the event was geared towards
students of the Brooks and surrounding area.
The team had an opportunity to present and
demonstrate Schulich Axiom to over 500
students, aged kindergarten to grade 12. On
the second day of the event, the car was
displayed at the annual Car Show and Shine.
Other large scale community outreach events
that the Solar Car Team attended included the
BP A+ for Energy Conference, Chinatown
Street Festival, Mayor’s Environmental Expo,
and Minds in Motion Science Camp.
The Solar Car Team has appeared in 18 different
media related items since the beginning of 2012.
Jillian Stephenson, Communications
Manager
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Joshua Chow, member of the Electrical Engineering Team, working on assembling solar cell modules
Assembling the solar array is one of the greatest
challenges tackled by the electrical team. The cells are
very fragile and must be soldered into modules with the greatest
of care to prevent damage. This is another area in which the Sunpower
cells represent an improvement over the previous cells. Previously, the solder contacts were
three long strips on both the top and bottom surfaces of the cell. Soldering them was a
challenge due to thermal expansion; but the new cells have only three small point-like
contacts. To further ease the process of assembly, the team purchased pre-fabricated
interconnect tabbing designed for the C60s.
ELECTRICAL TEAM
The greatest accomplishment for the Electrical
Engineering Team this year was the procurement of the
solar cells that will be used on Schulich Delta. The
team takes pride in its ability to assemble the
array in house, and as a result it must
purchase raw solar cells that have yet to
Undergo assembly into panels. It is often
difficult to find suppliers that are willing to
distribute top grade cells in this state, but
the team was able to acquire Sunpower
C60 K-bin cells. The team anticipates
improved power production compared to
previous generation cars as a result of
obtaining these cells.
Solar cells on the Schulich Delta have an efficiency rating in excess of 22.5%, approximately 3% increase in efficiency when compared to cells used on Schulich Axiom Ian Haigh, Electrical Engineering
Manager
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A partially assembled battery pack module showing the use of nickel tabbing for interconnection of individual cells.
From a man-power perspective, a
second major challenge lies in
assembling the battery pack for the
car. For this car, the team has elected
to use a battery pack consisting of
approximately 60kg of lithium ion
batteries (an astonishing 1,300
individual cells). All of these cells must
be interconnected in series and parallel
functional blocks to develop the
desired pack voltage and charge
capacity. Individual cells will be
connected in parallel using strips of
nickel tabbing welded to the battery
through a capacitive welding process.
A side of the communications board.
For Schulich Delta, the Electrical Team is
developing an application for a tablet
that will display all the critical telemetry
data on one large screen mounted on
the dashboard. This not only allows the
driver to access all critical information at
a glance, but also opens up the realm of
possibility for adding driver
conveniences and comforts typically
found in today’s automobiles such as
integrated navigation, entertainment, and
communications.
Alongside the tablet, the team has
developed a communications board that
acts as a hub for the different devices on
the car to communicate internally and
with external monitoring and display
devices. This board is approximately half
the size of the analogous board used in
Schulich Axiom despite having added
functionality.
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As the electrical team looks forward to
2013, evaluation of the drive system will be
an area of intense testing. The team will
examine the utility of a pair of drive motors
linked by an electronic differential through a
pair of motor controllers and compare this
to the weight and possible power savings
of a single drive motor. For Schulich Delta,
the way the driver receives feedback from
the car has undergone a radical change
and driver responses will be crucial for
further improvements to the system.
During the spring of 2013, the Mechanical
Team will complete construction of the top
shell of Schulich Delta, at which point the
Electrical Team will then install the solar
cell array. The sensitive nature of the array
makes embedding it in the top shell one of
the most tedious processes for the team.
By spring 2013, the electrical team will
have encapsulated cells to make two full
arrays. This helps the team mitigate the risk
involved with array embedment in the top
shell and delayed production as a result.
We are very excited to be able to present
some of our designs at this time and cannot wait to showcase all
the systems of the car through our spring
tour.
Ian Haigh, Electrical Engineering Manager
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Brandon Roswell and Austin Jang, members of the Mechanical Engineering Team, working on the brakes for Schulich Axiom
2012 began with an idea, supported by rough sketches, and ended with a nearly
complete prototype car.
Matthew Johnson, Mechanical Engineering Manager
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The main objective for the Mechanical
Engineering Team this year was to design
and build a truly unique car that would be
practical for the everyday driver, yet still be
competitive on the world solar racing stage.
This proved to be a difficult challenge but it
was achieved through strategic project
planning, ingenious engineering design
and countless hours of hands-on
commitment from our team.
The team decided to go with a two-door
coupe design with a large trunk that would
provide ample storage room. Through the
use of advanced computer design and
simulation programs, the team was able to
design a body that provides us the
necessary size needed for the driver,
passenger and cargo while still maximizing
our aerodynamic efficiency.
To keep the weight down, the team opted
to build a completely composite body
and custom chassis made from leading-
edge, spread tow carbon fiber. Not only
does this cut weight, but it also adds
strength to the car, improving safety and
enhancing surface finish of the body.
Throughout this process, the team took
the time to carefully select good quality
and reputable local and international
suppliers of materials for the car,
including products that improved the
aerodynamic efficiency, while at the
same time managing to keep costs low.
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MECHANICAL TEAM
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Mechanical Engineering Team Members building a negative fiberglass mold
Upon completion of the design phase of Schulich Delta, the next challenge for the team
was to begin construction of the car. This began in the summer of 2012 by constructing a
full size positive mold of our car which was then used to cast a negative, fiberglass mold.
Completing the construction of the molds proved to be a huge milestone for the project as
this mold allows the team to build the prototype car and ultimately, the final car which will
be raced in the World Solar Challenge. It took many long days and nights between classes
and schoolwork but in the end, the team managed to cast two spectacular molds, one each
for both the top and bottom shells of our car.
The suspension system for Schulich Delta is a one-of-a-kind design made by the
mechanical team members. It was designed with simplicity and performance in mind at all
times. Nearly every component of the suspension system is completely interchangeable
between the front, back, left and right. This not only makes the suspension easier to build,
but also decreases machining time and associated costs dramatically. Pairing this with
materials such as titanium and aluminum makes for an extremely light suspension that is
sure to keep Schulich Delta competitive on the world stage.
This vehicle is completely different from
anything we’ve produced before.”
Susanna Kubik, Project Co-
Chair and Business Manager
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The team finished off the year strong by
constructing its prototype car. This is the
point where the team was able to
assemble all of the components together
for the first time, outside of a computer
program. The next coming months will be
equally as exciting, with the crash-testing
of the Schulich Delta prototype car, final
construction of Schulich Delta, and the
grueling road-testing to prepare the team
for the World Solar Challenge in the fall of
2013!
Computer design of the Schulich Delta using Solid Works software
We are making an exceptional, one-of-a-
kind car that will be sure to turn heads and attract global attention from our competitors.
Matthew Johnson, Mechanical
Engineering Manager
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Best wishes from the community at Chinook Mall before the 2011 World Solar Challenge
ACCOUNTING TEAM
38%
18%
44%
Race Budget
Community Initiatives
Designing and Building
2012 has proven to be a major milestone for the
accounting team. The team’s major
accomplishment was reviewing all expenditures
of the Generation 3 project. During the same
period, the accounting team was able to create a
comprehensive budget for the Generation 4
project.
The team has also been able to improve
accountability and efficiency by implementing
new processes. With a budget of just over
$560,000 for the Schulich Delta project, the team
has begun creating a three-month rolling budget
and sending out bi-weekly updates to each sub-
team manager.
Overview of Budget Allocation for Schulich Delta
By being part of the Solar Car Team, I have had the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to
solve real world problems.
Stephanie Ly, Accounting Manager
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2011 World Solar Challenge Race Team Members
Fox Creek Re-Juiced Beetle (left) vs. Schulich Axiom (right)
RACE LOGISTICS TEAM
The Race Logistics Team played a pivotal role in planning the route the team was to take
during the Schulich Axiom Alberta Tour (SAAT) 2012. In addition to routing, the team
ensured all accommodations for the SAAT members were arranged. During the six day
tour, SAAT members travelled over 1,700 km and visited numerous communities
throughout Alberta.
A particular highlight of Alberta tour was the unique opportunity to race the Fox Creek Re-
Juiced Beetle. It was a close race, but ultimately Schulich Axiom managed to pull through
and cross the finish line first, in spite of having an electrical problem at the very start of the
race. It was truly an unforgettable event, which was made better by the incredible turn out
from the Fox Creek Community.
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Map of the World Solar Challenge race
One of the biggest events that Solar Car Team
participates in is the World Solar Challenge
(WSC) that takes place in Australia. WSC is an
international competition where solar vehicles
compete in a grueling, cross-country race that
totals a distance of just over 3,000 km.
The WSC provides the Solar Car Team with a
chance to test its abilities by racing against
teams from around the world. It’s a highly
dynamic environment that puts the team’s
capabilities to the test by solving problems
quickly and working effectively as a team.
Although it requires a tremendous amount of
work, effort, and dedication, the end result is a
very rewarding and invaluable educational
experience for every member on the race
team.
The team will be participating in the WSC 2013
race that will be held from October 6 to
October 13, 2013, where teams will race from
Darwin to Adelaide, driving straight through the
outback.
Our race team members will head to Australia in the Fall of 2013 and will not only
represent the University of Calgary,
but also act as ambassadors of the Province of Alberta.
Brigitte Sullivan, Race Logistics
Manager
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Group photo of all the Canadian Teams at WSC 2011
The Race Logistics Team looks forward to a busy 2013, when the team will prepare for both
the 2013 Alberta tour and WSC 2013. Driver training will be arranged through a variety of
methods in order to ensure the drivers will be able to thrive in the challenging environment.
The Alberta Tour, which is scheduled for early May 2013, will provide an opportunity for the
team to visit more Alberta communities and a chance to test Schulich Delta.
In June 2013, the Race Logistics team will assist in shipping Schulich Delta to Australia.
During the month of September 2013, race team members will fly to Australia to prepare for
WSC. The team’s target for the WSC 2013 race is to remain the number one Canadian team
and win the top sportsmanship and safety awards.
Faculty Advisor, Dr. Lynne Cowe Falls, cheers the team with a Canadian Flag
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Alberta Tour 2013 and WSC 2013 Team Members
- Ian Haigh
- Stephanie Hladik (Driver)
- Matthew Johnson
- Susanna Kubik
- Mico Madamesila
- Brandon Roswell (Driver)
- Joshua Chow
- Jack Sreekumar (Driver)
- Brigitte Sullivan
- Connie Tran
- Nizar Walji (Driver)
Solar Team Members with Schulich Axiom at The Chancellor’s Golf Tournament
SPONSORSHIP TEAM
The University of Calgary Solar Team
greatly appreciates the support provided by
its sponsors. Through the generous support
of sponsors, the team is provided with the
resources necessary to spread the team’s
message of sustainable energy education.
With a budget of just over $560,000 for
Schulich Delta, the team has managed to
raise $488,598 in financial contribution and
$27,585 in in-kind contribution. The Solar
Car Team is still looking to raise just over
$60,000 to complete funding for the
Schulich Delta project.
Our sponsors are the backbone of our project and we continually strive to build
lasting relationships with each one of them.
Nizar Walji, Sponsorship Manager 27
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Funding Partners for the Schulich
Delta Project
Educational Institutions
44% Corporate Partners
56%
Educational Sponsor
Lead Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
CANADIAN CENTREFOR ADVANCED LEADERSHIPIN BUSINESS
Supporting Sponsors
David Johnson Airtech International Inc.
* Sponsor list as of January 2013
2012 – 2013 University of Calgary Solar Car Team Members
Project Co-Chair, Engineering Manager
Mico Madamesila
Project Co-Chair, Business Manager
Susanna Kubik - 2013 Jordyn Troyer - 2012
Accounting
Stephanie Ly - Manager Raymond Huynh
Communications
Jillian Stephenson - Manager
Steve Cheng - Graphics
Sarah Kosowan - Public Relations
Marian Yet - Events Michelle Yet - Events
Race Logistics
Brigitte Sullivan - Manager
Riccardo Palladini Brenda Nguyen
Sponsorship
Nizar Walji - Manager
Stefano Giovannetti
Jasdeep Hayer
Bonnie Huynh
Electrical
Ian Haigh - Manager
Daniel Benavides
Andrei Buiza
Joshua Chow
George Co
Tanner Collin
John Fernando
Stephanie Hladik
Salima Kairzhanova
Ryan Ma
Christopher Melendez
Dallas Rathbone
Daniel Young
Mechanical
Matthew Johnson - Manager
Odai Almoqadam
Tawheed Al-towaitee
Merryl Arokiasamy
John Fernando
Kaelan Goode
Yusra Hemed
Austin Jang
Derek Lee
Jose Podio
Brandon Roswell
Jack Sreekumar
Connie Tran
Steven Tran
Mike Vanderveen
Albert Vuong
Sophia Wong
Eiden Yoshida
Harry Zheng
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Schulich Delta Specifications
Electrical
Array Power: ~1000-1200W (projected)
Solar Cells: ~370 Mono-crystalline Silicon
MPPT’s: ~10 UC Solar MPPT’s
Batteries: 1353 Li-Ion (18650 type) cells
(61.6kg)
Battery Box: Kevlar
Instrumentation and Communication: Driver
display in steering wheel, tablet interface in
dash, and Wi-Fi link to chase vehicle
Mechanical
Time to Design: 8 months
Mold Construction: 3 months
Car Construction: 3 months
Weight: 320 kg = 700 lbs (estimated)
Length: 4.5 meters = 15 feet
Width: 1.8 meters = 6 feet
Height: 1.2 meters = 4 feet
Top Shell: Carbon fiber reinforced EPS
(expanded polystyrene)
Bottom Shell: Carbon fiber reinforced Corecell,
EPS mix
Chassis: Carbon Fiber and Kevlar reinforced
Corecell monocoque
Suspension: Double A – Arm, aluminum and
steel
Track: 1.4 meters = 4.6 feet
Base: 2.7 meters = 8.9 feet
Brakes: Four wheel hydraulic disk brakes, two
wheel electronic regenerative
Motor: Two, rear, in wheel, direct drive motors
Storage Capacity: 0.56 cubic meters = 20
cubic feet (estimated)
Seating: Two front
Body Style: Two door coupe with large rear
hatch
For additional information, contact:
The University of Calgary Solar Car Team
Engineering Block F, Room 262
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary AB T2N 1N4
www.calgarysolarteam.ca
January 2013