Sponsoring aCentauri
The aCentauri Solar Racing Team, or aCe, consists of passionate engineering students from ETH Zurich who aim to redefine the limits of solar-powered motorsport. Their ultimate goal: the prestigious Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. ecovolta has played a key role in supporting the team’s development of the battery, which features 420 Li-Ion cells, through personnel assistance
From October 22 to 29, 2023, the members of aCe will traverse the Australian Outback from Darwin to Adelaide, covering an impressive 3,000 kilometers – powered solely by the sun. In the midst of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, an exciting race takes place, with solar-powered vehicles at the forefront, showcasing cutting-edge technologies for sustainable mobility. Thanks to solar panels and innovative design, teams employ a wide range of technologies to optimize vehicle performance and efficiency. The challenging 3,000-kilometer route serves as the ultimate test for both the solar cars and their teams.
Revolutionary Technology
aCe is part of a competition with 46 outstanding teams representing prestigious universities, research institutes, and companies. Together, they are committed to clean energy and sustainable transport.
The core of aCe’s creation is its solar cells – innovative, high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon panels that capture solar energy and power the vehicle with remarkable strength. The vehicle’s suspension is a technological masterpiece, striking the perfect balance between safety, weight reduction, and minimal rolling resistance. The battery system was designed with durability and reliability in mind, achieving outstanding results, thanks in part to the product expertise of ecovolta.
Innovative Battery Technology for Sustainability in Solar Racing
In collaboration with ecovolta, aCe developed a battery solution for their solar race car. The battery, consisting of 420 Li-Ion cells, weighs only 20 kg and plays a crucial role in the overall vehicle design. The strategic cell arrangement focuses on achieving a low center of gravity to enhance stability.
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia, known for its high temperatures, posed unique challenges. The battery was thermally insulated to ensure optimal performance under these conditions. An advanced Battery Management System (BMS) monitors the battery and intervenes when necessary. The battery acts as a buffer for the electricity generated by the solar panels, which is directly sent to the motor. This intelligent energy management maximizes the vehicle's efficiency and performance during the challenging race through the Australian Outback.
aCe’s Path to Sustainable Motorsport
However, aCe's triumphs are the result of a complex ecosystem. From the inverter control unit to advanced features like the steering wheel module, the team combines cutting-edge technology with outstanding engineering. To detect potential hazards and make strategic decisions, effective communication within the team plays just as crucial a role as the technology itself.
With a dedicated leadership team and the collaboration of engineers, designers, and educational experts, aCe has evolved from a student organization into a pioneer of sustainable mobility. Their goal is to inspire a broad audience and encourage them to join the movement for a cleaner, more sustainable future. The partnership between aCe and ecovolta highlights the importance of innovative battery systems for sustainable motorsport and showcases the potential of collaborative research and development in the field of renewable energy.
We wish the aCE team a successful an safe race!
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