(Newswire.net — May 12, 2020) —
Shell Decided Not to Host a Physical World Championship for the Eco-Marathon in 2020
Due to the global pandemic COVID-19, Shell has decided to cancel Shell Eco-marathon 2020. This is to protect the health and safety of all participants and organizing teams. The coordinators behind this event have been working on other ways to push through with the program without compromising everyone’s welfare.
What Is the Shell Eco-Marathon
What started as a friendly bet turned out to be a world-wide battle of talents and abilities. In 1939, Shell scientists agreed to test who among them can drive their car the furthest on one gallon of fuel. The fuel economy result of the winner is 49.73 mpg. Eventually, the challenge grew and thus, the Shell Eco marathon competition was born.
Shell Eco-marathon is not just any car-racing tournament. This program, sponsored by Shell, is one of the leading energy-efficiency competitions in the world. It challenges High School and University Students specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math from all over the globe to build the best automotive vehicles with the highest possible fuel efficiency.
The concept of the Shell Eco marathon is to bring more and cleaner energy solutions to the world. Aside from that, it gives students a huge opportunity to turn their energy consumption theories and ideas into reality. It is the perfect platform for young ones to think outside the box and experience the wonders of science and technology on a deeper level.
Shell Eco marathon 2020 is divided into two global competitions. First off is the Mileage Challenge. Here, the student-built vehicles are put into action as judges check which vehicle can complete a valid track route at a designated time with the least amount of energy used. The second competition type, Drivers’ World Championship, requires speed. Still on the route track, the student-built vehicles once again compete with a specific amount of energy. The first vehicle to cross the finish line without running out of energy wins.
Shell Eco-Marathon Cars
The program divides the competition into different vehicle and energy classifications. Shell Eco marathon cars can either be UrbanConcept or Prototype. UrbanConcept vehicles have four wheels and have more practical designs. Also, they carry similar road car features. On the other hand, Prototype vehicles have three wheels in general, although a four-wheel type is also acceptable. They are lightweight and designed for maximum efficiency.
Teams can also select what kind of Shell Eco marathon engine they want to work on. There are three energy categories, including Battery-Electric, Hydrogen Fuel Cell, and Internal Combustion Engine (gasoline, diesel, ethanol). Note that a vehicle may only use one among these energy types mentioned.
Shell Eco-Marathon Car Design
There are general Shell Eco marathon car design requirements that teams should follow.
Although the goal of developing a Shell Eco marathon electric car is efficiency, still, the highest priority is the safety of the driver, spectators, and all the participants in general. It is essential to consider that an individual must be able to fit comfortably inside the vehicle. No objects allowed inside the vehicle that may injure the driver in case of a collision. All cars must be fully covered, thus, the comfort of the driver must be given high consideration as well.
The Shell Eco marathon fuel tank, hydrogen system components, and all other parts of the drivetrain must be within reach of the driver. Also, there should be easy access to the car’s energy compartment. This is important so that the judges and even the participants can perform quick inspections whenever needed.
All vehicles must have constant contact with the road. When it comes to Shell Eco marathon tires, UrbanConcept vehicles require flat profile tires generally designed for passenger cars or light trailers. Prototype vehicles allow all types of tires and wheels.
More technicalities of the Shell Eco-Marathon 2020 can be seen in their rules and guidelines posted online. The teams must pass a number of design phases and the final technical inspection. Completion of all these grants your vehicle exclusive track access.
Electronic Steering Systems
Steering systems serve a valuable purpose in our vehicles. They help us to turn or maneuver our cars easier. The common steering type is the hydraulic system in which high-pressure fluid is used to help the driver turn the wheels with less effort.
As technology progressed, engineers discovered ways to replace old hydraulics with electric motors. Electronic steering systems do not require a pump, hoses, and a drive belt connected to the engine to function. The electric motors are powered by a battery and use electric power which provides the steering assistance the driver needs.
The Challenges
Needless to say, Shell Eco marathon teams face different kinds of challenges in building a car. Let’s take a look at the prototype built by the students from Chemnitz University of Technology (CUT) in Germany. Elmo Motion Control took the initiative to help them with their prototype car, the Sax 2. Because Elmo’s servo motors can be used in various applications and types of projects, the company sponsored Harmonica compact servo drivers for this interdisciplinary team’s innovative project. These drivers are especially helpful in the rear-wheel steering system of the Sax 2.
The challenge of this prototype is its increased danger of rollover. A simple steering fault or error can cause critical results and needs a unique solution. Another challenge for Sax 2 is to apply high operational power with lightweight engines.
Solutions
The design team carried out danger and fault tree analyses for their prototype. Elmo’s Harmonica compact servo drivers are the ideal match that completed the steer-by-wire (SbW) design requirements of Sax 2. The SbW technology together with another software minimized any potential danger of rollover.
It also provided a solution for the weight and size requirements of the competition. Instead of a standard steering column, the prototype used a driver-controlled analog joystick powered by the SbW technology. Placing the joystick in the cockpit made way for maximum flexibility and narrow chassis design.
Shell Eco-Marathon 2019 Results
Shell Eco marathon winners can either be on-track or off-track.
Asia On-Track Winners
Asia Off-Track Winners
Driver’s World Championship Asia
Europe On-Track Winners
Europe Off-Track Winners
Driver’s World Championship Europe
Americas On-Track Winners
Americas Off-Track Winners
Driver’s World Championship Americas
Alternative 2020 Shell Eco-Marathon Programme Options
Unfortunately, the Shell Eco-Marathon 2020 will not be able to push through with its usual flow of program due to the present situation. However, the hard work of all participants shall not be put to waste. The event organizers have developed alternative opportunities in recognizing the efforts of everyone.
In April and May, Shell and their partners will host online learning opportunities for all participants. This gives students a chance to exchange ideas and learn from the industry experts. The sessions will be available regionally across Americas, Asia and Europe.
All off-track awards, except “Perseverance and Spirit of the Event” will still be recognized by a virtual jury based on the written submissions received. A new off-track award called “Spirit of Shell Eco-marathon” will replace the “Perseverance and Spirit of the Event” award. Mechanics for this are yet to be released. Another new off-track award is the “The Shell Eco-marathon Lifetime Achievement” which aims to acknowledge former and present participants who made significant contributions to the Shell-Eco marathon. Furthermore, all students who are qualified to join the Shell Eco-marathon in all regions are entitled to receive the original travel allowance provided.