AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY APPLIED TECHNOLOGY SOLAR POWERED VEHICLE HEADS TO THE DESERT
Students from the University of Bochum in Germany have been developing their ‘Froggee’ solar-powered off-road vehicle since 2016, the roof of which features 2.5 square metres of solar cells. The SolarBuggy needs to be completely
self-sufficient while being able to cope with the toughest conditions, with the ultimate goal of breaking the record set recently by an Australian team for the fastest crossing of the Simpson Desert with a solar-powered land vehicle. The team has less than four days, 21 hours and 23 minutes to cover a distance of 360km along the ‘French line’ from Purni Bore to Birdsville. Chainflex cables from igus, which were
originally designed for use in energy chains, are
being used to connect the motor controllers to the electric motors, for driving the vehicle and for the internal wiring of the contactors. The servo cables have a special conductor design that ensures a high current carrying capacity and withstands the mechanical loads due to motion and vibration, ensuring there are no interruptions to the power supply. The cables, which are shielded against
Electromagnetic and Radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI), provide the DC and AC voltage. These will easily handle the thermal and mechanical stresses expected in Australia, the company explains. For the SolarBuggy, the team selected the CF270.UL.350.01.D servo cable, which has a
bending radius of 7.5xd. Featuring a PUR outer jacket, the cable is oil-resistant, halogen- and silicone-free, and flame-retardant.
igus
www.igus.co.uk SLS TECHNOLOGY SELECTED BY STUDENT RACE CAR TEAM
Hertfordshire-based company, Ogle Models and Prototypes, has helped students at Coventry University bring a racing car to life for an annual competition. The company was tasked with producing parts for the vehicle which took part in this year’s IMechE Formula student event, which challenges entrants to design and manufacture a single-seat race car that is then tested at the Silverstone race track. The aim is to create a high- performance car in terms of acceleration, handling and braking, which would also be reliable, easy to maintain and low in cost. Ogle Models and Prototypes was asked to
produce the intake runners by The Phoenix Racing Team in a bid to reduce vehicle weight and maintain optimum performance ahead of the competition. Matt White, senior sales engineer and
former Coventry University student, commented: “In our day-to-day lives at Ogle, we’re working on parts for several global car manufacturers and it’s great to bring that industrial 3D printing expertise to Coventry University.” For the application, the company used selective laser sintering (SLS),
a form of industrial 3D printing technology, to create the intake runners needed for the single-seat race car. This was chosen due to its accuracy in creating the intricate and sometimes complex geometries required for air intakes. Of further benefit, the part would be airtight. Nylon PA2200 was chosen to add strength
and provide the temperature resistance required. It was also the most cost effective method of production, while providing the strength required for its application. Ross Miller, team leader for The Phoenix
Racing team, said: “We didn’t have the right on-site facilities to be able to produce the manifold runners, so we took to finding a reliable supplier with great reviews. “Ogle’s reputation speaks for itself and we
knew they’d already been involved in student projects before... I’d recommend Ogle for any
prototyping or 3D printing in the future.”
Ogle Models & Prototypes
www.oglemodels.com
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