A road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles normally would use up tankfuls of gas. But the Northwestern University Solar Racing Team recalled Friday how its cross-country journey this summer did not need a drop.
The team showed off its car “N”ergy outside the Technological Institute and presented its accomplishments from the American Solar Challenge, a 2,300 mile race on Route 66 using only solar energy.
Thirty-five teams from around the country built cars to race in the educational sporting event that ran from July 15 to July 25. NU’s car, which cost about $170,000 to build, finished 26th, but one of the team’s three drivers said the race was not about being first.
“It was more like we just wanted to finish the race,” McCormick junior Alfred Chan said. “It was not so much a competition.”
Before the cars participate, they had to pass a series of qualifying tests assessing distance, maneuvering and braking capabilities.
“We were nervous because we were still fixing a few minor problems just minutes before the qualifying round,” said Ian Harrison, this year’s captain and a McCormick senior. “But surprisingly, we were one of the only teams to do both dynamic tests perfectly on the first try.”
In the beginning of the race, the team came across some unexpected challenges.
“About 30 miles into the race, we heard on the radio that University of Minnesota wanted to pass us, so we pulled over onto the shoulder, which was made of gravel,” support staff member Kenny Ho said. “A piece of gravel shot straight into the motor. We were stranded for six hours. It was unfortunate luck.”
The team also faced a dead battery and some flat tires. Despite the many challenges, the team members were proud of their accomplishments.
“As difficult as it was, it was all worth it,” Chan said.
After completing the race, the team said they have taken some valuable lessons with them. They are now preparing for the next race in 2003.
The challenge was the NU team’s first major race since failing to qualify for a race in 1999.
“It was a difficult process without having previous experience,” said Kornel Ehmann, a McCormick professor and team adviser. “We have learned our lessons. We now have the experience that we needed.”
At Friday’s event, the team gave awards honoring their advisers and corporate sponsors, and showed slides of the race.
Harrison said he’s already preparing plans for the next car.
One idea is to get better solar cells that would convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently. And with “N”ergy weighing in at 1,100 pounds and the winning cars weighing about 500 pounds, Harrison said he’d like to put the car on a diet.
