Bochum University of Applied Sciences builds third solar powered vehicle

All good things come in threes: Following "Hans Go!" in 2003 and "SolarWorld No.1" four years later, Bochum University of Applied Sciences is working on a new solar car. A team of 30 engineering students is continuing the tradition and also introducing an all new concept at the same time. The most eye-catching modern design: The latest solar car will have four wheels. The body is perfectly streamlined with energy efficiency being the top priority in development. A wind tunnel appointment with Ingolstadt's automaker Audi has been made in order to determine the actual drag coefficient.

Next to the proven and award-winning technology like the battery management system, newly developed components will be utilized. At present, a new in-wheel motor, which amongst other uses, will drive BOcruiser, is being engineered at laboratories and workshops of Bochum University of Applied Sciences. A number of challenges are still to be overcome, since the new vehicle will be propelled by two motors. A mechanical differential transmission will not be installed for weight and efficiency reasons. Software and electronics will ascertain the differing of the wheels' peripheral speed in corners.

Like SolarWorld No.1, electrical energy will be provided by 6 square meters of solar cells. This technology is now getting more viable for everyday use as well: Silicon will replace the very expensive gallium arsenide in the solar generator.

BOcruiser must be ready and running in July. This is the deadline for SolarWorld No.1 and Bochum's engineering students´ new vehicle to board the container for the voyage to Australia. In October this year, the 3000 kilometer World Solar Challenge race through the outback of Australia will begin. Project manager Prof. Friedbert Pautzke says about the challenge: "We are not building the vehicle to win first place. In our series of solar cars, BOcruiser is the next innovative step leading towards an everyday use suitable vehicle. For the first time, the car will prove its roadworthiness in down under."

However, this will not be the end of the road for the Bochum's pioneers of electric mobility after the race in Australia. The "Sustainable Individual Mobility Car" (short: SIMCar) is the name of the project for an everyday electric car. The planning phase for this three-seater has been completed and the car will be built in 2010.

Photos:

http://www.hochschule-bochum.de/fileadmin/media/solarcar/BOcruiser/fotomontagen/PI_BOcruiser.jpg (1.2 MB): Closer to everyday-life on 4 wheels: This is how BOcruiser will be driving through Australia

http://www.hochschule-bochum.de/fileadmin/media/solarcar/BOcruiser/fotomontagen/PMBocruiserHeck.jpg (1.2 MB): Rear view of the new solar vehicle

http://www.hochschule-bochum.de/fileadmin/media/solarcar/BOcruiser/fotomontagen/PMSIMcar.jpg (0.9 MB): The future of electric mobility from Bochum, Germany: three-seater SIMCar

 

Contact:

Communicaton, Public Relations Solarcar-Team
Bochum University of Applied Sciences

Stefan Spychalski

Tel.:+49 (0) 234 / 32-10740, Fax::+49 (0) 234 / 32-14299
stefan.spychalski@we dont want spamno spam pleasehs-bochum.de  

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