Members of Iowa State University’s PrISUm solar car team are reflecting on the valuable lessons learned from their recent experience in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia. Despite facing challenging weather conditions and missing a critical checkpoint, the team takes pride in their achievement of constructing a practical and reliable solar-powered SUV named Penumbra, unveiled in June 2017.
The engineering students set out to build a functional vehicle capable of performing well in real-world conditions. “Basically, we went down to Australia and did exactly what we said we were going to do,” explained Dylan Neal. Penumbra demonstrated impressive capabilities, traveling 230 miles on a moderately sunny day and 180 miles without sunlight, all while carrying four passengers. Remarkably, the vehicle experienced zero breakdowns during the race.
Competing in the “Cruiser” Class, PrISUm was one of 14 teams to enter the international solar car race. Unfortunately, adverse weather and a depleted battery pack forced them to miss a checkpoint, leading to their reclassification into the noncompetitive “Adventure” category. Despite this setback, Iowa State’s team secured fourth place in terms of practicality, a testament to their innovative design and engineering efforts.
The Penumbra project marked a significant departure for PrISUm, focusing on creating a solar-powered vehicle resembling a conventional car. The four-passenger SUV featured multiple 3D-printed components provided by CIRAS, including a portion of the steering linkage, a rear hatch latch, and a stainless steel emblem on the steering wheel. These parts, crafted using both metal and plastic technologies, were lightweight yet durable, incorporating carbon fiber strands for added strength.
Chris Hill, director of CIRAS’ Technology Assistance Program, expressed satisfaction with their contribution, stating, “We’re happy CIRAS could contribute.” The team’s use of additive manufacturing technology exemplifies the potential for creating lightweight, robust structures in future vehicles like Penumbra.
Looking ahead, Team PrISUm plans to make minor modifications to Penumbra and participate in the American Solar Challenge this summer. Simultaneously, the team is preparing for their return to Australia in 2019, focusing on advancing their design and further integrating additive manufacturing technology. “Additive technology is the future of vehicles like Penumbra,” Neal emphasized. “It opens the door for lightweight, strong structures never thought possible before, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation.”
As the Iowa State Solar Car Team continues to push the boundaries of solar-powered vehicle technology, they remain committed to refining their designs and demonstrating the practicality and potential of sustainable transportation solutions.
