In a progressive move, a team of students and teachers from Faculty of Physical Sciences and Mathematics (FCFM) at the University of Chile has contrived of an all new solar racing car. In collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, they have designed the Eolian II.
Though it should be noted that this is not their first design in the field of solar powered cars. It was preceded by the Eolian, which came in 14th out of 45 competitors in the Panasonic World Solar Challenge, a race of 3,010 miles from Darwin to Adelaide.
Eolian and Eolian II are both electric cars powered by an array of small solar cells spread across the upper surface of the vehicle. Utilizing the solar energy, they are touted to scamper to a top speed of 130kmph. The untested yet expected to be more advanced Eolian II still has to go through its own ‘trial of fire’ by competing in the Atacama Solar Challenge, which is to be held between September 30 and October 2 this year. The solar challenge will be a 900 kilometers journey from Iquique and Chañaral alongside the driest desert in the world.
But other than just racing, such solar cars are expected to bring attention to the whole concept of renewable energy harnessing. As Rodrigo Palma, academic and director of Energy Center of FCFM, said:
In the world and in Chile, the solar cars are an excuse to develop renewable energy. We accomplish that solar energy is the best way forward, and in this case we want (it) in the engine, but in a house (it) can reach kettle, stove, refrigerator, and also industry, always looking to develop efficiently, safely and economically.
Source: Latercera
