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Engineering Exhibitions and Events
News Release from: Shell Lubricants
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 26 June 2007
Students compete to improve fuel
efficiency
The Shell Eco-marathon UK is open to any school or education establishment, as well as organisations, private entries or any other form of team.
The Shell Eco-marathon UK returns to the Rockingham Motor Speedway on the 4th and 5th July for its 31st anniversary event Running as part of the Rockingham Festival, it brings science, engineering and innovation to school children and students across the country, offering constructive real-world solutions that could power the cars of tomorrow
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 2 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The current world record for internal combustion engines stands at an astounding 11,525 miles per gallon (mpg).
Whether low-tech or high-budget, teams use clever driving strategies to return incredible fuel economy figures.
These vehicles are driven by the students themselves, sometimes as young as 11 or 12.
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Lapping Rockingham at a speed rather more sedate than the super-speedway is used to, averaging only 24km/h, the cars could nevertheless cover 373 laps of the oval using the same amount of fuel that an average two-door hatchback would consume in just a single lap.
"I think it's a fantastic event to inspire the learning of science and engineering within schools and universities" says Norman Koch, Shell Manager Engine and Vehicle Testing UK and US.
"Not only does the Shell Eco-marathon UK play a part in developing the scientists and engineers of the future, it does so in the context of the environment".
"It promotes the responsible forward thinking that is needed for sustainable living".
The Shell Eco-marathon UK is open to any school or education establishment, as well as organisations, private entries or any other form of team.
It challenges students from all walks of life to embrace cutting-edge technology in the design and construction of their own vehicles.
Combining low weight with small size and optimal aerodynamics, all within the strict safety guidelines for structural safety, teams use all manner of materials from aluminium to carbon fibre in their quest for the best fuel economy.
This year 67 teams registered, including teams from Japan, the USA, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, France and Belgium.
2007 also sees a separate competitive class for solar powered vehicles, driving innovation and reflecting the importance of alternative energies in the search for the fuel of the future.
Hydrogen and fuel cell powered vehicles are also welcome to enter, similarly recognising their potential as feasible alternative fuels.
Competitors will be attacking the world record, which is up for grabs in both the internal combustion engine and fuel cell classes.
The winning team will receive a trip to see close-up how the Ferrari Formula One team works at the British Grand Prix. Request free introductory details about products from Shell Lubricants ...
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