After eight intense days of competition through the breathtaking South African landscape, Solar Team Twente concluded the Sasol Solar Challenge 2024 with 4168.8 kilometres driven and an impressive second place. Around 1:30 PM, the organisers ended the race. No team was able to drive additional kilometres, so Solar Team Twente completed one fewer loop than competitors Innoptus Solar Team and Brunel Solar Team today.
In high spirits, Solar Team Twente set off first in the final stage this morning. They immediately began a challenging ride over the notorious Franschhoek Pass, a mountain pass with a very steep gradient. The climb demanded the utmost effort from both the car and drivers. Along the way, the students from Twente were quickly overtaken by competitors from Leuven and Delft.
Numerous obstacles
Once over the mountain, roadworks on the route caused significant delays. The construction and long traffic jams limited the number of kilometres that could be driven. “It was impossible to drive a lot of kilometres today, but we were determined to make the most of it,” said team manager Laura Voogd. Determined to catch up with the competition again, Solar Team Twente started its first loop just behind Innoptus Solar Team. Meanwhile, Brunel Solar Team was almost a full loop ahead.
To win, Solar Team Twente needed to drive more loops than the competition, but unfortunately, the organisers decided to close the loops - and thus the challenge - early. This meant no one could drive any additional kilometres. Around 1:30 PM, all teams had to head towards their final destination in Cape Town. Solar Team Twente thus ended the day with one fewer loop than Innoptus and Brunel.
Second place
With the conclusion of the last run, the final ranking was determined: Solar Team Twente successfully retained second place in the Sasol Solar Challenge 2024 standings. In eight days, they drove 4168.8 kilometres with their solar car RED XI. A fantastic achievement, through beautiful but challenging terrains and under various conditions. “We are extremely proud of what we have achieved, and look back on this special race with great satisfaction,” said Voogd.
Innovations
The Sasol Solar Challenge 2024 and Solar Team Twente once again demonstrated the potential of innovative solar energy. The students from Twente are proud to be one of the teams promoting this message globally. During this edition of the Sasol Solar Challenge, several innovations significantly enhanced the performance of solar car RED XI. These technological improvements not only increased efficiency but also saved time and improved aerodynamics.
One of the notable innovations is the use of sharkskin on the surface of the car. This special texture, inspired by shark skin, reduces drag by creating small vortices in the airflow along the car’s body. This improves aerodynamics and reduces energy consumption while driving.
Vortex generators
In addition to the sharkskin, Solar Team Twente introduced vortex generators around the license plate. Normally, a low-pressure area behind the license plate causes extra air resistance, but the vortex generators guide the airflow more effectively. This reduces drag and increases the car’s efficiency.
To save valuable time during daily servicing, the team also developed a new system for the wheel seals. Since the wheel seals are replaced daily, it is essential that this system is quick to fit and replace. During the Sasol Solar Challenge, this system regularly proved its worth.
SABINE
An important contribution to the success of Solar Team Twente during the Sasol Solar Challenge came from SABINE (Solar Array Balancing Interface New Edition). SABINE balances solar input by ensuring that each solar cell produces optimal energy independently of the others. Normally, bypass diodes are needed to switch off cells that are in the shade, but SABINE ensures that these cells no longer affect each other, ensuring that all energy is used optimally.
