Great accomplishment of Solar Team Twente during the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge was once more a thrilling even this year. As the circumstances can change at any time during the race, the participating innovative solar car teams never know what to expect. Student team Solar Team Twente managed to take the lead on the first day of the race and maintained this lead until day four of the 3000-kilometre race. This is a great accomplishment that bears witness to the progress the team has made with their new solar car, RED E. The new car has an improved super-aerodynamic design, smaller but more efficient solar panels, a well-thought strategy and was supported by the test frame made by Twente-based company VIRO. In short, everything that Solar Team Twente has been involved with in the past year contributed to this first place. Sadly, on the fourth day, solar car RED E was blown off the track by a strong wind gust during bad weather circumstances. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed, but the car has been damaged. This forced the team to end their pursuit.

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In short

Solar Team Twente was leading during the first three days
RED E was blown off the track on the fourth day of racing
Nevertheless, the team has made a major contribution to innovation in the field of solar-powered transport

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#energy tech

#infrastructure

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Global Goal

Unpleasant surprise

With 865 kilometres to go until the finish line in Adelaide, Solar Team Twente was in the lead. After twenty minutes of racing on the fourth race day, driver Evert van der Hoek was surprised by a sudden heavy side wind, causing the car to hit the roadside. The driver was not able to get RED E back on the asphalt and was forced down a small slope. RED E spun around and came to a halt upside down.

The team was able to get to the vehicle soon to ensure the driver was fine and no further damage could occur. Evert did not suffer from any injuries but was taken to hospital as a precaution. Luckily, an examination showed he was doing fine.

The sudden end to the World Solar Challenge is a big blow for Solar Team Twente. Annelies Dekker, team manager: “the most important thing to the team is the fact that Evert is safe and got out of the car hurtless. We are shocked by what happened but thankful that we are all safely together. An incident like this puts everything into a different perspective.”

Related article(s)

#renewable energy How VIRO helps Solar Team Twente towards victory

#energy tech As little air resistance as a coke can

A great accomplishment

The fact that the team was leading during the first days is a great accomplishment that all can be proud of. The goal of Solar Team Twente is not only to win the race, but also to stimulate innovation in the field of solar-powered transport. By competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, the team raises awareness for the possibilities of solar energy. The team’s motto is applicable: “Challenge triggers innovation”. The next team can build upon the successes and valuable knowledge of this team, making an even smarter strategy. During the next edition, there will undoubtedly be new innovations.

Date: 16 October 2019 |

Source of tekst: Solar Team Twente |

Author: Twente.com