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The future of energy
As business leaders and other experts discussed challenges around the future of energy, some students revealed why they have chosen to run their cars on cleaner fuels.
Car 414 from the Eco-Dimoni team from Spain, relying on solar power for the first time
The Eco-Dimoni team from Spain is relying on solar power for the first time. “The world needs more alternative energies – and Spain has a lot of sun,” says Enrique Garcia Ripoll, Team Supervisor. “Here we have a handicap, not just the clouds but also trees shading part of the track.” Team members complained of feeling cold, having left 35°C (95°F) sun for a bracing 12°C (54°F) in Rotterdam.
Since 2008 teams can also choose to run their cars on gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuel. The Roses-4-Eco team from Gertrudiscollege in The Netherlands is using GTL for their prototype car. “We are just a small high school and can’t hope to go 1,000 km on a litre of fuel,” says Jasper Luijkx. “But we are distinguishing ourselves by choosing a very clean fuel.” He believes GTL will grow in the future fuel mix and has already seen it used by some trucks and buses Amsterdam.
Eyes on the winners
Business leaders and other experts gather at the Ahoy arena, The Netherlands, while students prepare to compete in ultra energy-efficient cars
Many teams are watching last year’s winners. In the Prototype class Microjoule from Nantes, France achieved 3,688km/l (8,675 mpg), and in the UrbanConcept class the Hydrocruisers from The Hague, The Netherlands, managed 104km/kWh.
Before taking to the track for a practice run, the Microjoule team were testing an engine outside its sleek, white capsule-like car. It is one of seven engines the team has brought to Rotterdam. Microjoule has won numerous times at Shell Eco-marathon and aims to leave nothing to chance. “Using computer software we created the new track to simulate driving our car,” says Clement. “But the new circuit will be difficult – we don’t know if we will beat our record.” They have adapted their car to handle the five tight turns around the Ahoy circuit.
The Hydrocruisers from De Haagse Hogeschool, The Netherlands, are feeling the pressure of defending their title in their home country. “I woke at 5h30 today,” says Adrian Audijk. “We at least made sure our driver had a good sleep!” Their car is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. Since last year the team has improved its car’s suspension, reduced its wheel resistance and cut weight from the windscreen.
