Australia Week Two Update

The Stanford Solar Car Project WSC 2015 Race Crew began the week with a busy Monday, waking up earlier than usual to complete the trailer and prepare the car for its first drive in Australia.

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The completed Arctan trailer.

Naomi Misiajlo, a World Solar Challenge Official, directed the team convoy to Adelaide’s Victoria Park Race Course around 12:30. There we met both Chris Selwood, the WSC Event Director, and Leon Bignell, the South Australian Minister of Tourism, Recreation, and Sport. The University of Adelaide and Michigan University joined Stanford at the event. Our car ran smoothly in the lap and handled well.

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The team with WSC Event Director, Chris Selwood. Credits to Bridgestone World Solar Challenge.

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Arctan driving on the track at Victoria Park followed by the scout vehicle.

On Tuesday, the team made final preparations during our last day at Solitaire Automotive Group’s workshop. Thank you again to Craig, Shayne, and the entire Solitaire for their support and generosity. We look forward to seeing you again next month at the conclusion of WSC 2015.

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Engineering Lead Darren Chen with Tyre Technicians at Solitaire Automotive.

Wednesday morning we left for the Outback after breakfast and some final packing.  We made our way through Port Augusta and then Glendambo, where we stopped for the evening.

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The sun rising over our campsite.

The following day, we were up before dawn to quickly eat breakfast and then practice array standing, in which we orient the array towards the sun for charging. We were able to normalize the array well, and saw excellent power readings. After finalizing our testing paperwork, we drove for the first time on Australian public roads, heading north of Glendambo and back for two controlled speed runs.

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Team discussing at stop after a controlled speed run.

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Arctan at the end of the day.

The team travels north tomorrow towards Coober Pedy in a 250 km controlled speed run. Stay posted for more exciting news about our Outback testing!


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