The Delft Solar Team will start the American Solar Challenge from second on the grid. During the three-day Formula Sun Grand Prix, the student team completed 319 laps, qualifying in second place behind the Canadian team Eclipse 12. The team is competing in the race with the upgraded Nuna 13S.
The American Solar Challenge is an eight-day solar car race across the United States. For the first time, a Dutch team is taking part in the competition: the Delft Solar Team. The participating teams must first pass a four-day technical inspection, also known as ‘scrutineering’. Of the 44 teams that had registered, 30 met the technical requirements and were allowed onto the circuit. Thirteen of these teams then qualified for the actual race.
Qualifying in the United States differs from that at the solar races in Australia and South Africa. Whereas in the latter races a single fast qualifying lap determines the starting order, during the Formula Sun Grand Prix teams complete as many laps as possible over three days at the Brainerd International Raceway. The starting position for the American Solar Challenge is determined by the number of laps completed.
Revamped Nuna 13S
The Delft Solar Team is taking part in the race with the Nuna 13S, a modified version of the Nuna 13. The solar car is equipped with, amongst other things, a new electrical system, a water-cooled motor and a new solar panel with LONGi solar cells that delivers a maximum power output of 1,570 watts.
Various technical modifications have also been made compared to the Nuna 13 to improve aerodynamics. For example, the Nuna 13S is fitted with three aerodynamic fins, the design of which is based on wind tunnel research. Due to the American regulations, the car is also equipped with a metal roll cage instead of a carbon fibre structure.
‘Safety always comes first’
One of the drivers taking the wheel of the Nuna 13S is Tom van Aaken. “It’s an incredibly special feeling to be behind the wheel of the Nuna 13S,” says Van Aaken. “We had to complete as many laps as possible to secure the best possible starting position, but safety always comes first. With speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour, hard braking for the bends and regularly overtaking other teams, every lap demanded complete concentration. It was precisely that combination of speed, strategy and precision that made this qualifying session so challenging.”
The Nuna 13S is 4.9 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.6 metres high, and weighs approximately 200 kilograms. The solar car is fitted with a 5.20 kWh lithium-ion battery and is powered by a brushless DC hub motor.
Well over the speed limit
The American Solar Challenge covers a total of 5,000 kilometres, running from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Amarillo, Texas. Participating teams complete the route in eight days. The focus is not on the fastest journey time, but on the number of kilometres covered. The route includes several additional loops that give teams the opportunity to drive extra kilometres and increase the total distance covered.
“In this race, we have to take into account unusual and highly variable conditions. The American landscape varies greatly and the weather forecasts are also difficult to predict. That is why our team is constantly calculating how best to utilise the available solar energy and we are continually adapting our strategy,” said Guus van der Donk, team leader at Delft Solar Team.
“With qualifying behind us, we’re ready for the next step,” says Wietske Overdijkink, Race Manager at Delft Solar Team. “We’ve shown that the car and the team are ready for this challenge. We’re going to make the most of every day of racing and look forward to showing what we’re capable of.”
Image: Jorrit Lousberg/Light at Work Photography
