Thirteen ambitious engineering students and two dedicated alumni. They form the new Group T Solar Team. Their challenge is to build an even better performing car for the prestigious 2011 World Solar Challenge.
/jaargang-20-1/images/20_01_05b.jpg "The new Group T Solar Team takes up the challenge to build a performing solar car.")
The new Group T Solar Team takes up the challenge to build a performing solar car.
The team leader, Thomas, clarifies. “The Solar Team placed this undertaking in a broader perspective right from the outset. First of all, we want to contribute to the further development of solar energy and demonstrate to the public an accessible application. In Belgium, much know-how is already available in this field. A project like ours is a great opportunity to bring this top technology together and promote it, which is our second goal. Our third objective is to stimulate entrepreneurship. Our largest target audience is no doubt young people.”
The most recent Solar Team is organized as a true company. Team manager Thomas heads the three departments. The first is the Mechanics department. “They take care of the structural design of the solar car”, Thomas explains. The Energy department is responsible for the car’s entire energy management. Finally, there is the Marketing department. “These people take care of the non-technical aspects of the project. Logistics support, for instance, but also important tasks like public relations, finances, sponsorship and the organization of events like the Solar Olympics for schools and the Solar Tour across Belgium.”
Throughout the years, the different Solar Teams have set up a wide network. “We can count on the more than 100 partners who we work with intensively”, says Thomas. “Not only multinationals but also SMEs, research centers and universities in Belgium and abroad. They make not only material but also know-how available.”
While the previous Solar Teams were uniquely Flemish, the team now has a Chinese student in its ranks. “Kang Zhou spontaneously applied and passed the application procedure with flying colors”, Thomas confirms. “In the Mechanics department his responsibilities include the solar car’s aerodynamics and engine, two of its crucial elements. His contribution will no doubt add to the technological resourcefulness of our team.”
/jaargang-20-1/images/20_01_05cta02.jpg "Logo Umicore Solar Team")
/jaargang-20-1/images/20_01_05cta.jpg "Logo World Solar Challenge")