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18/11/2008
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A team from Southampton University intends to be the first UK team to enter a US competition for solar powered boats
A team from Southampton University intends to be the first UK team to enter the US "Solar Splash" based competition for solar powered boats.
Dr Peter Wilson at the University’s School of Electronics and Computer Science will run the team in conjunction with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) student members. He intends to capitalise on the School’s track record in the development of solar cells and electronics, and deliver an electric powered boat clad with such cells.
The University already has two solar installations on campus and is investigating new types of solar cell based on nanotechnology. The School has extensive experience in renewable energy systems, power electronics and electronics design, and it is hoped that this, coupled with the local expertise in ocean racing could prove a powerful mix of skills.
Solar Splash, the "World" Championship of Intercollegiate Solar Boating, will take place in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA from 27-31 May 2009.
Dr Wilson would like to hear from any boat builders interested in being involved, declaring that: "It is vital for the team to have sufficient sponsorship to complete the build and also send the team members over to the USA, and we will rely entirely on sponsorship to make this happen. We hope that local companies will see the benefits from aligning with such an ambitious and exciting project, and become involved. We see this as a fantastic opportunity to engage with local businesses, large and small, and would be delighted to talk to anyone who can make a contribution of any size to the project."
The plan iin future years to position it as a series of undergraduate projects as well as at postgraduate level, when the experience of an initial competition has been gained.
Solar Splash takes place over five days. Technical inspections are done on the first day and the remainder of the time is occupied by five on-the-water competitive events, testing speed, manoeuvrability and endurance.
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Author
Tom Shelley
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