To keep everyone up to date with the solar team's progress, here is some information as to what we have been doing over the past while. At the end of last year, we researched materials, designs, and cells that could be used on the car to make it more aerodynamic and efficient.
Recently the mechanical team has tested various small models of some early designs in a wind tunnel for drag resistance and lift. They are now taking some of the better designs and programming them into software to perform further tests and analysis. They are continually researching how to make the car better. They are also close to deciding what material we will be using for the chassis (chromoly, steel, or carbon fibre).
The electrical team has spent a lot of time trying to find solar cells to purchase, and weighing the pros and cons of the different types of cells. We are very close to making a decision on this. The electrical team is currently organizing various projects to help familiarize the team with the components of the electrical system.
The engineering team recently had a design review in which the team presented their ideas to other team members, members of the University, and members of industry who agreed to attend. The purpose of the review is to get different viewpoints on the ideas, and make sure that everything is moving on the right track.
The business team has been organizing different events, such as the Louis Riel visit last month. Looking forward, we will be visiting Colonel Macleod Junior High School next week and will be attending the Auto Show in March. We are currently beginning to actively look for sponsors for the gen 3 vehicle. A successful recruitment drive has added six new members to the business team to help with events, community relations, accounting, and logistics.
In all, we have been fairly busy and will keep on working hard keep the project rolling.