The University of Michigan Solar Car Team Blog: October 2007

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Continuum Repair Pictures

See below for pictures from the World Solar Challenge. Included are pictures of the repairs done to Continuum.

Damage to the lower surface:

Damage to the concentrator canopy:

Damage to the upper surface:

Beginning repairs on the lower surface:

Repaired lower surface:

Repairing the upper surface:

Continuum back on the road!

Continuum charing at a control stop:

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

14 Comments:

Ron Lambert said...: That is clever, using a puddle as a reflector to increase the light level on your solar cell array, while charging during a control stop! Did all the teams do that?

Were there rules against bringing a reflectorized mylar blanket for that purpose?; October 28, 2007 at 6:11 PM
Anonymous said...: We want more! pics that is ;-)

How about pics and info from Nate?

We have not only been 'visually starved' but 'information starved' here at home.

It was great to see that the team autographed their work - not only with their blood, sweat, and tears - but with their signatures.

WHAT TIME DID CONTINUUM LEAVE DUNMARRA CONTROL STOP?; October 28, 2007 at 6:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Nice repair work guys and nice finish especially considering the obstacles!; October 28, 2007 at 6:41 PM
Anonymous said...: deanna just said the team is(right now)on the way to Melbourne where/when they'll ship the car and semi back to the states.

9 hour ride i believe she said.

they'll will spend the night in Melbourne.

the awards ceremony lasted about an hour Sunday night.

...she radioed and no one had access to the 'paper' that showed the time that Continuum left the Dunmarra control stop...; October 28, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Anonymous said...: Beautiful pictures. Thank you.

When is the North American Solar Challenge? That is, how long do we have to wait in the dark and the cold until there's another race? Can we invite Team Nuon, even as an honorary competitor, or a guest of one of the universities? Could they take MIT's place, or could Minnesota run Nuna4 for them? I want a rematch! From their blog entry, it sounds like they are willing.

Nice that the team signed their work. I could even read Doug's signature. U of Calgary has excellent pictures of their car, and their crash, set up as slide shows.

Next race, Michigan needs to bring an official videographer/photographer/historian to record everything. And race car driving lessons, and maybe stunt driving lessons for the team's drivers.; October 29, 2007 at 4:37 PM
jose said...: From the Solar Car listserve, it sounded like Dan Eberle (one of the higher ups for the NASC) opened up the event to all competitors and offered to waive the entry fee for the first foreign team to register.; October 29, 2007 at 5:44 PM
Ron Lambert said...: TC, the 2008 North American Solar Challenge is scheduled to be run July 13-22. It will be run from Dallas, Texas to Calgary, Alberta, Canada a distance of 2400 miles (3870.96 km). Here is the link to the schedule for ASC:
http://americansolarchallenge.org/event/asc2008/schedule.html; October 29, 2007 at 5:44 PM
yodamom said...: For those looking for pictures, I found a few with on the WSC Website under Daily Photos. They are sandwiched in between photos of Twente. They are great shots of roadside repair after the crash. Here is the link. There is a great shot of Jeff Rogers making repairs under the canapy. (That would be my boy Garrick directing traffic in the background of another). This team is just awesome. ENJOY!

http://wsc.org.au/Be.Part.of.It/Photos/Sander.Bockting/index.html; October 29, 2007 at 6:01 PM
Garrick Williams said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; October 31, 2007 at 4:09 AM
Anonymous said...: Ron, thanks for the link to the North American Solar Challenge website. Their list of current teams entered already includes an international entry, FH Bochum Solar Team from Germany. Their car, Solar World No. 1, came in fourth place in Australia.

Other teams entered include our old friends, Minnesota, MIT, and Missouri-Rolla, and some new teams from the Ohio State University (U of Satan) and Michigan State University (aka Michigan Agricultural College). What fun!; November 1, 2007 at 4:22 PM
Anonymous said...: Wow, I can't wait! Great pics!; November 2, 2007 at 4:35 PM
Anonymous said...: What a cool ride! Well done there!; November 5, 2007 at 4:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Good repairing and good result :)
can't wait to see more pictures.; November 6, 2007 at 4:01 AM
Anonymous said...: That's Incredible Solar Car. I think I can imagine in the dream or comic that they have something like this, it is not much like current car but it is future car in 23rd century or something like that. I really like to have one.; November 11, 2007 at 2:05 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Reflections

Dear Friends, Family and Fans of the Michigan Solar Car Team,

I am Bob Culver, one of the faculty advisors of the team and I have just returned from Australia and would like to share some perspectives with you.

I often say that the Solar Car experience is a self-awareness or awakening of sorts, allowing students to find their own limits – what they can do and what they cannot do. Well, I was half right. This team was tested often. It started with a structural failure in the bulkhead just a few days before they were scheduled to leave for Australia. The team quickly analyzed and fixed the problem such that the resulting structure was stronger than ever. Then came the dust devil in Australia that almost destroyed the array that you have read about in the blog. And then, of course, was the accident. After a short period of shock and a few tears, the team began the arduous task of rebuilding the front end of Continuum. No one needed any inspirational speeches as everyone was working with determination and purpose as soon as the car was back to the Darwin racetrack. It was truly amazing and inspiring to see the car rebuilt and ready for racing in about 10 hours. This team responded to everything and anything that was thrown at them. So, pardon the double negative, the Continuum team never found out what they couldn’t do!

During the qualifying week, the Continuum team continued the Michigan tradition of helping other teams. The team let the Venezuela team borrow a motor when many of their parts got stuck in customs. And the team, with Chito’s help, built a new wheel hub for the Malaysian team after an accident during a qualifying run destroyed their only hub. What goes around, comes around. At the accident scene, a local Darwin gentleman happened by to see the damage. When he saw the damage, he said he had a friend who was an expert in carbon fiber composites. We called the expert, Mr. Mike Butler, and he joined us back at the racetrack pits. Mike brought with him some fast curing resin which turned out the be critical to getting the repairs done quickly.

A special thanks to all the sponsors of this team. You have enabled an experience of a lifetime for a very special group of kids. They may not have finished first, but this team is definitely a group of winners.

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Friday, October 26, 2007

Continuum Finishes 7th in Challenge Class

Continuum completed the last 280.7 km of the race in 2 hours and 55 minutes with an average speed of 96.7 km/h. Yesterday we ended with an empty charge on our batteries and today we finished with more than half of a charge remaining. For the Alice Springs to Adelaide half of the race we averaged 89.8 km/h and finished that section of the race only 16 minutes behind Nuon's time. We started this part of the race with well less than half of a battery charge, while they were given time to fully charge their batteries in Alice Springs. Continuum only just barely didn't catch up with the 3 Teams directly in front of us and we should end up in 7^th place in Challenge Class. Overall we passed over 25 Teams on our climb up the ranks after the accident. Continuum was the 4^th Team to cross the finish line. Congratulations to the Nuon Solar Team for their 1^st-place finish.

We must admit, from the beginning our goal was to place with a different finish than we ultimately placed, but at the end of the day we are very happy with how Continuum performed. To us, the first half of the race demonstrates that we are one of the best Teams in the world, while the second half demonstrates that we have one of the best cars in the world. A first place finish almost comes as an empty victory because it doesn't demonstrate how good a Team really is. Only adversity demonstrates this, and having rallied around the crash we were able to show the world just how well we face and conquer it, and how well-prepared the Team was. As we crossed the finish line there were 25 friends and family members who had made the trip to Australia to watch the race and cheer us on. All of us were happy that we could make them proud by completing this race the way that we did.

The World Solar Challenge has left everyone with a desire to continue racing Continuum. We all look forward to participating in the North American Solar Challenge, where we will have the opportunity to show what Continuum is truly capable of. None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support of our sponsors including our Platinum sponsors: The University of Michigan, The University of Michigan College of Engineering, BHP Billiton, Ford, and General Motors. We would like to thank all of them and we hope that we have made you proud to be a part of the University of Michigan Solar Car Team!

Go Fast, Go Smooth, Go Blue!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

40 Comments:

dearmania said...: Any chance that photos will appear here on this blog? I know many of us want to see the car and team members.; October 26, 2007 at 7:25 AM
Anonymous said...: You guys have learned more than you relise, and you have made all of us at home very proud! Great job! Cheers! Baileys; October 26, 2007 at 7:54 AM
Anne said...: WOW! What a spectacular performance! We are all incredibly proud of you - your technical skill, perserverence, and teamwork have been amazing, and you have done a fabulous job showcasing your ground-breaking technology. Your dealings with other teams and businesses along the way is also a great testament to your school and country. Great job! ~The Cramers~; October 26, 2007 at 7:56 AM
Anonymous said...: Congrats to all! Countless people in Minneapolis are cheering for you!!

Much love from MN,

Lauren; October 26, 2007 at 8:53 AM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations! It has been truly inspiring to follow your team this whole time. I've loved every blog entry and I'm so proud of you all!

Hugs to Steve from his sister,
Lisa; October 26, 2007 at 8:54 AM
Alex Dowling said...: This race and this team will be remembered by the whole Solar Car community for countless years. Congratulations to everyone is Australia, I can't wait for you (and Continuum) to get back.

NASC next summer is going to be a blast.

Alex Dowling
Interim Strategy Director
Michigan Solar Car Team; October 26, 2007 at 9:08 AM
Anonymous said...: Good work guys!; October 26, 2007 at 9:11 AM
Unknown said...: Congrats folks! Been following what's been going on since the start. What a way to rally from the crash, spirit truly befitting the tradition of Michigan Solar Car teams: Never give up!
Go Blue!
Adriaan Zuiderweg
2001 UMSCT Meteorologist; October 26, 2007 at 10:48 AM
AussieB said...: Winston Churchill once said that "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference"

I think this Team proved the point.

Congratulations to you all on a battle well fought.

GO BLUE; October 26, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Wisniewski said...: Go Blue! Go Proud!
Your team has made us very proud to be sponsors. Thank you for the opportunity to be associated with this incredible group of Wolverines.

Congratulations!
Rita & Dean Wisniewski; October 26, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Anonymous said...: Great Job Big Blue.

I appreciate the challenges and the remakable recovery. Another Churchill saying is to Never, Never, Never Give up.

Take pride in oyour accomplisment.

Go Blue

Dave Sayre; October 26, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations and well done!! Whenever I think I can't be any more impressed by our students, a new group finds a new way to amaize me. :) You have represented us in the finest spirit and deed of the Michigan Tradition and beyond! Many thanks for the blog and all the efforts of the M Solar Car family current and past.

Rainey, A2; October 26, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Hostman said...: Good work, guys. I look forward to a 1st place finish in NASC this summer. :)

-Robert Vogt IV
'03 & '05 Strategy Director; October 26, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Anonymous said...: “Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are."

The ContinuUM team has shown us who they really are.

Let us show them how truly proud we are.

I would like challenge the supporters to post a comment on our blog for each kilometer ContinuUM traveled for the 2007 Panasonic World Challenge or at least for the number of times we all hit refresh on the various Blogs during the race.

P.S. Hope this doesn't crash the site :-); October 26, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Anonymous said...: Great job guys.

Your attitude from the crash (posted on dailytech) gave you a big California following.

To us, Michigan is some school from "out there where it is cold". We were walking around at work saying "Go Blue!".

The techology is awesome. I can't wait to see some more uses come from these events.

I thank your sponsors too. With out them, this technology will not progress as rapidly.

Ted; October 26, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations on the finish!

I can't wait to see what you guys can pull out for NASC in '08. :-)

Russ
UMSCT '97 - '01; October 26, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Ron Lambert said...: If they make a movie of this year's race, I hope all the Continuum team members will get to play themselves--they are definitely star quality!; October 26, 2007 at 1:36 PM
Ron Lambert said...: The web page for the 2008 American Solar Challenge lists the UM entry as "Momentum II." Are you going to update this with the name "Continuum"?; October 26, 2007 at 1:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Hail to the Victors! I've read every post, and cheered you on your great journey. You've just had a once in a lifetime experience. Cherish it!

I participated in the early stages of the "Maize and Blue" team, but graduated before the 1993 race. I've always wondered what the journey through the outback would have been like. I am a bit jealous after reading all the posts, but immensely proud to say I'm an alumnus of the University of Michigan Engineering School! Go Blue, always!

-Doug Geiss
BSME 1992; October 26, 2007 at 1:54 PM
Anonymous said...: " TC Lambert 2 days later:
Congratulations, Team Nuon on winning yet again. I hate you so much right now. No, I don't, I'm just kidding. Well, maybe I hate you a little. TC Lambert (father of a kid on another team)

TC Lambert about 22 hours later:
Gefeliciteerd, Team Nuon. Once again, your professionalism, demand for quality, and ingenuity came through. Does the race have to end? I'm hooked. I want more. -TC Lambert "

Mr. Lambert, from one parent of a solar race kid to another: Brilliant race and well deserved Congratulations to your team ! Any other kids lined up for the next races ? We're hooked too and fortunately still have one more ready to race Nuna7 in 2013 ! That should be fun ! Until then perhaps ?; October 26, 2007 at 2:06 PM
Furqan Nazeeri said...: Well done! I hope you get a chance to savor the moment. When you get a chance, please do post some pictures from your journey as I'm sure your fan club would enjoy seeing them.; October 26, 2007 at 2:08 PM
Anonymous said...: On the WSC website is the team of University of Oregon listed under the challenge class with start # 256..... but there is no other reference to them at all. Does anyone know what happened ?; October 26, 2007 at 4:07 PM
Anonymous said...: Oops ! Of course I mean Oregon State ...; October 26, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Anonymous said...: amazing job you guys! you're hard work and dedication over the past 2 years really came through this past week. no other team could have performed as well as you under such unpredictable circumstances. you had the best car and team out there. we are all so unbelievably proud of all of you. congratulations!; October 26, 2007 at 4:50 PM
Anonymous said...: To Tom Carroll: Excellent blog entry. I love it when you throw numbers around. You say Continuum will run in the NASC in '08? Well, by then, you will be able to cruise at the speed limit the whole way. You need more handicap. How about towing a 1000 lb. trailer. Naw, you guys would just design the most aerodynamic trailer in history and still blaze down the road. Is there any way to invite Team Nuon into the NASC?

To Anonymous, who quoted a couple of my "reacties" to the Nuon blog, and has a son who wants to be on the Nuna7 team in 2013: You're Oliver van der Meer's mom, aren't you? I remember Oliver's younger brother posting something about wanting to join the team in 2013. I only have the one son, and I sincerely hope Doug graduates before 2013. He's technically a senior now, though he took this semester off for some reason. By 2013, he could be a multiple PhD, which might be a good thing. He's in Michigan's mechanical division, and I think they did a pretty good job this race. Pretty sure Doug contributed to getting Continuum back on the road.

To all on Team Continuum: Gefeliciteerd! That's Dutch and they used it a lot on Nuon's blog, so I think it's something good. Congratulations on a successful adventure, and an adventurous success. Way more drama than expected, and heroics galore. honestly, though, one of these times I'd like to see Michigan run a clean, boring race--no crashes, no chunks of metal imbedded in the car's nose, just a nice, clean win. Still, being able to repair bad crash damage in a day and then zoom up to finish fourth. Wow! What incredible engineers you're all going to be. No, check that. What incredible engineers you already are.

-TC Lambert (tclambert@gmail.com, proud father of Doug); October 26, 2007 at 5:35 PM
Unknown said...: Awesome job everybody, I can't wait till the next race! Somebody give Roxanna and the rest of the Ops team a big hug for me!; October 26, 2007 at 7:21 PM
dearmania said...: i thought when i called, i'd wake deanna up or at the least, disturb the 'partying.' not so. they were getting ready to pack the car or the semi (i forget which one, if not both)for shipment.

the team believes they just may place higher than 7th...they won't know until the awards ceremony.

i could still sense some 'tension' in her voice...

i believe they all are still in 'overdrive' from the experience.

i told her we are getting restless and WANT some pics! she told me she will see what she can do.; October 26, 2007 at 10:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey !, If you would like to watch daily video's of the race:

For the Twente car, thats the car who's using lenses too, they have had an accident too, click on 101 TV BNN:

http://www.solarteam.nl/Solar%20Report/

and for the Nuna car, click on 20-10 World Solar Challenge afl.1 et cetera 1.532 kbps :

http://www.rtl.nl/automotor/worldsolarchallenge/

Michigan had bad luck, Wubbo Ockels said , before the accident, that the Michigan car was the fastest car of all.

The video's are in Dutch, sorry !, but its just for the funnn.

Next time better luck for you all !

Greeting !,
Cu!, Jeroen Verbruggen,
Elementary School Delft,
group 4, The Netherlands/Holland; October 27, 2007 at 1:10 AM
jose said...: Two questions I had forgotten to ask:

1) If you run Continuum at NASC, are you planning on keeping the concentrators? That seems to be a fantastic leap forward in raycing technology.

2) Did the UAV ever fly?

Jose

97-99'
UMSCT; October 27, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Anonymous said...: As a father with a son on the team and as an engineer, I was really impressed by your resilience in recovering from the accident and to finish so strong. In the long run what you accomplished this week will have more lasting impact on your professional careers than if you led wire to wire. In the real world sudden problems, accidents, incidents, etc. will occur that will require each of you to make important decisions to help rescue the project you are working on. When this happens to you in the future just remember how you reacted to the crash this week and apply it to your future work. You could have just ended the race and wallowed in your misfortune but you came back to make the best of it.
Everyone on the team, your supporters, your university, your solar car peers on other teams, and especially your sponsors recognize your effort. You had your Appalachian State moment and handled it much better than the football team.; October 27, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Anonymous said...: " A first place finish almost comes as an empty victory because it doesn't demonstrate how good a Team really is. "

As parents of a solar race kid, we beg to disagree with this statement ! After going thru countless hours of blood, sweat and tears, frustration and sacrifice, plus a complete academic year of full-time work on the project by the whole team, we can assure you that any sweet victory is meaningfull and proof of enormous Team cooperation and perseverance !

Proud Parents of the RED DEVIL on Nuna4.; October 27, 2007 at 4:05 PM
Anonymous said...: Success is not measured by the position one has reached in life, rather by the obstacles overcome while trying to succeed. - Booker T. Washington. Congratulations on your success, Dr. Montgomery; October 27, 2007 at 4:41 PM
Anonymous said...: “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors."

Hail to the Victors

GO BLUE; October 27, 2007 at 8:13 PM
Anonymous said...: The way you overcame adversity sets the bar pretty high for you future behavior. In a way, that's good and bad. When everybody else says, "Oh, that's too hard. I can't do it." you may be tempted to join their chorus, but that little voice in your head is gonna say, "Hey, wait, I handled that thing with the solar car in '07. I guess this thing is not too hard. I CAN do it. Darn, I guess I will have to do it."

Some people are afraid to try things they think might be beyond them. Some people are afraid to use power tools. Some people are even afraid to use hand tools. You guys will say, "Oh, look, a computer-assisted milling machine. I can figure that out." (Or, if you're my son, "Ooh, can I play with that?")

You can handle pressure. You can handle adversity. You can handle calamity. You can figure out technologies you've never worked with before. You can figure out technologies no one has ever worked with before. That right there is not a bad resume.

In other words, I'm kinda proud of you all, but especially of my son, Doug. I have no fears for what's to become of him in life at all. I just hope your mother and I aren't too much of a burden for you.

-tclambert@gmail.com; October 28, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Anonymous said...: What you guys accomplished was amazing, but by no means is it the most difficult thing you are ever going to face. It was easier to keep on going with the solar car b/c everyone had already given up so much to get it to Australia and the race was the sole purpose you were even in Australia. Just remember that life is not like that. Things will come up unexpectedly that you hadn't been working for and that you hadn't devoted all your time to, but will still be just as important as the solar car if not more. During those times, you will have to draw on the responsibility you showed during this race.

In my opinion, it's not that you kept going; it's that you did what you had to do when you had to do it. That is the real life lesson.; October 28, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Anonymous said...: DON'T YOU QUIT!
~By Anonymous~

When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but
DON'T YOU QUIT!

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victors cup; And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver lining of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit...
It's when things seem worst that you
MUST NOT QUIT!; October 28, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Anonymous said...: The provisional results pdf file shows Michigan finishing 7th, just nine minutes behind Solar Team Twente. If you subtract 10 hours of repair time, Michigan would have finished (are you ready for this?) third, behind Nuon and Umicore. (What is it with Michigan and third place in Australia?)

Okay, now here's the calculation that will make Team Nuon's fans explode: If you subtract Michigan's first day of actually running, when the car was half repaired and they only went 600 km, I get that Continuum's average speed for the remaining 2399 km of the race was 90.87 kph, EXACTLY THE SAME as Nuna4's to 2 decimal places.

What I would really like to compare is Michigan's elapsed time from the Dunmarra checkpoint to the end of the race vs. everybody's else's. Unfortunately, I cannot find when Michigan left Dunmarra. It's not on the WSC website, nor Michigan's.

Please somebody, give me a number.; October 28, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Anonymous said...: "If you subtract 10 hours of repair time"

Who is comparing what ?

-repair time Twente One : 5h.28m.
(4x wheel suspension, oa cause
of the wild-grid and they had an problem with the electronicz of the lenses, lenses turning to the sun and the solar-cells under the lenses can move, as the solar-panel can move by a servo, low power 64 % for 37.2 % of the race time).
-repair time Nuna4 : they are not back home, so I can find it, but they had 14 x a flat tire, takes at least 5 minutes (fastest time was stop/drive 2m.54s.) They had an problem with the controller and had to take over 37 caravaans, about 150 cars, they had 3x a problem with the left shock absorber, 1: 16m.18s., 2: 7m.37s., 3: 14m.08s., because of the crosswind (last day SW 11 m.s, burst 14 m.s.)Michigan got the day after 4 m.s., burst 5 ms.). And the Sat.connection was down day 2 and 4, and they where not allowed to go faster then 110 speed limit, between Glendambo and Adelaide, even full batteries and sun power
for 147 km/h. or 93 m/h.

à la comparaison, la différence n'est pas grande !Bienvenue aux combattants de la dernière heure :=_ !

Bonjour tout le monde !, auf Wiedersehen en de groeten!
Jeroen in the house; October 31, 2007 at 9:51 PM
Anonymous said...: Dunmarra 633 km :

Umicore at 07-10-21 16:05:00
Aurora Challenge 07-10-21 16:13:00
Nuon Solar Team 07-10-21 16:39:00

Adelaide time Finish 2999.7 km :

Nuon Solar Team 07-10-25 16:54:00
Umicore 07-10-26 09:13:00
Aurora Challenge 07-10-26 09:54:00

Bye,Jeroen; November 2, 2007 at 12:53 AM
Anonymous said...: I love those! I would like to drive once something like this, but until then I need to make a lot of money from my home because those are very expensive "toys" :); August 31, 2008 at 7:39 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Continuum Finishes!!

Continuum has now reached Adelaide and has successfully completed the 2007 World Solar Challenge! We completed the race in 46 hours and 3 minutes with an average speed of 65.09 km/hr. This puts us at 36 hours and 2 minutes not including the time lost from the accident with an average speed of 83.83 km/hr! Stay tuned for results as the Teams behind us finish the race! As soon as we hear from the race crew in Australia I'll get a more detailed update as well!

GO BLUE!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

17 Comments:

svoloshina said...: CONGRATULATIONS!!! We are all so proud of you and cannot wait for you to get back! I am very impressed with your comeback and truly proud to be part of this team!

Sasha Voloshina
Electrical '07; October 25, 2007 at 10:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations team. Its a proud day for Michigan.

Michael Brackney
05 Momentum; October 25, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Frederic Barthelemy said...: Amazing job guys. We've worked so long and so hard for this. It's a shame about the crash, but we rallied and definitely showed them what a world class team looks like. I expect to celebrate with all you in Michigan when I come back for a week for Thanksgiving.

Go Blue.

Frederic Barthelemy
Strategy Division, ExCom,
University of Michigan Solar Car Team 2007 Continuum; October 25, 2007 at 10:47 PM
Gertlex said...: Congratz guys. Continuum's the winner in my mind.

(and for the second half of the race, Alice Springs -> Adelaide, word is that we have the fastest time)

The atmosphere was jubilant among the ten of us refreshing our browsers in a CAEN lab.

Go Blue!; October 25, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Unknown said...: Congratulations on a great finish! You have all done a terrific job and really showed how amazing your team can perform under pressure. It's been fun watching the updates, but I'm sure things are even more exciting on that side of the Pacific. Enjoy it, we're all so proud of you!
Maggie Hayes
'05 Momentum Ops; October 25, 2007 at 11:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Amazing effort! You make us all proud; what a great comeback! I can't wait to see pictures.

A random fan in Michigan; October 25, 2007 at 11:03 PM
ashley said...: Congratulations!!

Great job coming back from a challenging situation and doing very well in the race on top of that!

Ashley Milne
'01 Race Crew; October 25, 2007 at 11:05 PM
dearmania said...: I just called (12:30pm AU)and talked to my daughter Deanna...they were getting out of their cars and getting ready to run with Continuum as it crosses the finish line.

anita; October 25, 2007 at 11:09 PM
yodamom said...: WOW!!!!!!! Your journey has truly been inspiring. We could not be more proud. "GO BLUE" has just been redefined.

Congratulations!!!!

We Love You, Garrick!!!!

DAD, MOM and Kristen; October 25, 2007 at 11:30 PM
jose said...: Great job guys! You ran a great race and have added another great chapter to U of M Solar Car team history.

Jose Alvarez
97 & 99 Solar Car Team; October 25, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Michael Adams said...: Way to go, everybody. Way to stick it out and race the car to the finish. You gained an immense amount of respect throughout the entire solar racing community.

"Well, I guess if a person never quit when the going got tough, they wouldn't have anything to regret for the rest of their life." - Lance Armstrong, Dodgeball.

Michael Adams
Team Mechanical/Ops
Momentum '05; October 26, 2007 at 12:22 AM
Anonymous said...: Great job guys! Go Blue!

Don Nguyen
Power and Electrical, 05; October 26, 2007 at 12:39 AM
a southern Oregon fan said...: You made so many people proud of your determination and skills! It was exciting to read about each accomplishment.There can be no doubt the Michigan Solar Car Team has a Winning attitude....
Thank you for all of your work to finish with class!!
Go Blue...
Go smooth and true...
And "continue" going FAST.......; October 26, 2007 at 12:55 AM
Anonymous said...: A million times congratulations! You all are fantastic and we are immensely proud of you! Now it's time to relax and breathe.

Leaving love from the home front.; October 26, 2007 at 1:52 AM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations! Your hard work and determination have shown the world the character and spirit of the Michigan tradition. Go Blue!

Peter Balogh
Crew Chief, Momentum; October 26, 2007 at 3:29 AM
Donna Adams said...: Congratulations on a courageous and outstanding race!!! It was great fun to relive the thrills of 05 by reading your blog updates every day, and the entire team has much to be proud of.

GO BLUE!

Donna & Steve Adams
'05 Momentum Parents; October 26, 2007 at 6:56 AM
Anonymous said...: Wish I could have been there cheering for you at the finish line, but I'm sure Beth and Jim Ignaut were trigger-happy supporters, documenting the whole thing so I'll get the full report next week.

Congrats to you all! What a testament to all of your hard work this adventure of a WSC has been!

So happy for you all!

Bring on the NASC!! WOOT WOOT; October 26, 2007 at 8:49 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Day 4 Recap

Today we started 1,977km into the race, 45 km north of Cadney Homestead. We had an astonishingly quick day through the Cadney and Glendambo Control Stops. We cruised at between 91 km/hr and over 100 km/hr, which is marvelous considering that we ended Wednesday with an empty battery pack. Continuum covered 720 km and reached Port Augusta with an average speed of 92 km/hr for the day. We had our first flat tire and were able to change that tire in less than 8 minutes! Continuum has made up nearly 2 hours on Twente, at least another hour on the Southern Taiwan Solar Car Team, and about one hour on Solar World. At this point we are in, at worst, 13^th place overall in the race. With 280km left, we will be starting the day at the Port Augusta control stop, where we arrived at 5:08pm today. Nuon arrived at the end of timing but they have not gone through the finish, and to our knowledge no other teams have reached the end of timing. It was another great day of racing and we’re excited to have made up nearly 8 hours on our closest competitors. The Team coming out of this race is so very different from the one that started it. Spirits are unbelievably high and everyone is greatly excited about how Continuum has performed in the first 2700km of the World Solar Challenge.

GO BLUE!!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

17 Comments:

dearmania said...: when i told deanna on the day of the crash, i knew Continuum would finish the race, i never dreamed...

i agree with a post the other day - this is 'movie material'

many of us will be up late today watching/waiting for Continuum's finish.

on down the home stretch team!!!; October 25, 2007 at 9:22 AM
Unknown said...: You are doing fantastic work! I have been checking the blog many times each day to see how you're doing. I am proud to be associated with such a persistent, hardworking, and classy team! GO BLUE!

-Mark Eadie
2001 Race Crew; October 25, 2007 at 10:18 AM
Anonymous said...: What you guys have done is truly inspiring! I can't wait to hear all the stories when you return. Keep up the good work, and Go Blue!

-Adam Smed.; October 25, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Anonymous said...: I believe that I can speak for all of us on campus that how you have handled adversity is especially impressive and exemplifies what we mean be "Leaders and Best!" You are all Winners in my eyes!

Brian Gilchrist
Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering; October 25, 2007 at 12:32 PM
Gertlex said...: I'm failing to see how the car could be in 13th place. Going by the WSC blog, we're one of only five teams to reach Port Augusta... So we're no worse than 5th place, right?

Regardless, Go smooth, fast and safe, and Go blue :); October 25, 2007 at 12:44 PM
Anonymous said...: Each team stayed in the Alice Spring checkpoint for a different length of time. Nuna was there for over a day, and we were there for only 30 minutes. We even left Alice Springs before some teams ahead of us.

That makes these last two days even more impressive because the teams in front of us were able to get a full battery charge in Alice Springs, and we are still going faster.; October 25, 2007 at 1:35 PM
Alex Dowling said...: When checking the WSC blog, one needs to remember about Alice Springs. For the Challenge Class, the three leaders (Nuon, Umicore & Aurora) were released from Alice Springs with the same time spacing as they arrived. Teams after that were released every ten minutes (including us). Therefore, if we pass a team and cross the finish line before them, they may still place higher than us. In the end, it is based on elapsed time.

Alex Dowling
Interim Strategy Director
Michigan Solar Car Team; October 25, 2007 at 1:37 PM
Hostman said...: It's by elapsed race time - Michigan didn't get to stop at Alice Springs, so they were accumulating race time while other teams were sitting... In the challenge class, that would put them in 9th, behind Twente.

Nice job team; I'm happy you were able to pull something out of this race and demonstrate some of the new technologies you've developed.

Robert Vogt IV
Strategy Director
Michigan '03 & '05; October 25, 2007 at 1:42 PM
Furqan Nazeeri said...: I think the issue is that it's possible that teams behind us in physical position are ahead of us in terms of cumulative elapsed time because other teams were held at the "control stop" in Alice Springs (during which time the race clock was not ticking...unline when Michigan was repairing it's car in Darwin) for a period of time whilst Michigan was not.; October 25, 2007 at 2:03 PM
Wisniewski said...: We remember the mental toughness and sharpness of the 2005 team in challenging NASC penalties to retain the lead. They kept cool heads in the WSC during the road train debris incident when they astutely used the rules to get the driver out of the car without penalty. Their execution was IMPRESSIVE!

Team Continuum, what you are accomplishing takes overcoming adversity to a higher level -- AMAZING! From CEOs to receptionists, your tenacity and prowess is being admired. We are proud of you, praying for you, and excited to see how high you will excel.

No wonder a wolverine can take on a bear.

Rita & Dean Wisniewski; October 25, 2007 at 2:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Hail, hail to Michigan, their mechanics are the best!

-TC Lambert (tclambert@gmail.com); October 25, 2007 at 4:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Keep up the great work guys and gals. I wish you the best on the last leg of the race. You truly are doing amazingly well.

I can't wait to see the final results and celebrate your success along with you. I wish I could be in Adelaide celebrating, rather than half a world away.

I can't wait to hear all the stories from the road first hand.

-Dave Masselink
05 Race Crew; October 25, 2007 at 6:14 PM
Anonymous said...: According to the "Day 3 Update," Michigan "had 10 hours and 2 minutes of down time from repairs during the first 2 days of the race." It also coincidentally said Continuum was officially 10 hours and 2 minutes behind Umicore. Does that mean Michigan's real elapsed racing time equals the team in second place? Still not enough to catch Nuna4. Does that 10 hour, 2 minute figure include the electrical problems during the Dunmarra leg of the race?

In other words, without the crash and with a clean run, could you maybe possibly have dethroned the Dutch powerhouse from Delft?

Anyone up for a rematch?

-TC Lambert; October 25, 2007 at 7:34 PM
Alex Dowling said...: For those dieing for an update...

Preliminary information indicates that the crew hopes to finish the race in about 1 hour. They are currently going as fast as possible, only limited by the speed limit and traffic. Once they cross the finish line and we receive confirmation, Tom will post on the blog.

Alex Dowling
Interim Strategy Director
Michigan Solar Car Team; October 25, 2007 at 9:16 PM
gjs said...: Just talked to Deanna,they have 10kms to go to hit the timing area.; October 25, 2007 at 9:57 PM
Anonymous said...: WSC blog says Michigan and TIGA reached Angle Vale 11:35 AM local time. That's about 10:05 here.; October 25, 2007 at 10:14 PM
Anonymous said...: WSC provisional results have Michigan and Ashiya University both at Angle Vale at 11:33.; October 25, 2007 at 10:17 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Brief Control Stop Update

Continuum has just passed through the Glendambo Control Stop around 1:30pm Australia time. Based on the GPS data we seem to have made it there without any stops and we should be able to make it most of the way to Port Augusta before the end of the day!

We recently learned that the Stanford Solar Car Team was involved in a race-ending accident. Our Team is very sorry to hear this as we have had a very good relationship with their Team since the beginning of this project. We are very thankful to hear that no one was injured in the Stanford accident and hope that they are able to repair their car for the upcoming North American Solar Challenge!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

9 Comments:

Frederic Barthelemy said...: We're actually parked for the night past Port Augusta. Gearing up for a last day sprint into the city.

Go Blue!; October 25, 2007 at 4:44 AM
Anne said...: What an astounding accomplishment! Great job, we'll be watching for news of your arrival... enjoy the day, you've all earned it!; October 25, 2007 at 6:32 AM
Unknown said...: Great job everybody, you're almost there! Don't forget to smile for the cameras at the finish!!; October 25, 2007 at 6:44 AM
Anonymous said...: WOW. Past Port Agusta! 3 checkpoints in one day!That is an amazing day. You guys are really impressive and are showing the class, dignity and ability that represent both the UM Solar Car Team, and the University of Michigan. I am honored to even be associated with you all.; October 25, 2007 at 7:33 AM
jose said...: From the Hochschule Bochum SolarCar-Team blog entry for today (via Babelfish):

10 minutes later run departure of the Road House at 8:30 o'clock property Twente, Phoenix and Tiga into the minute interval. At 8:32 o'clock Michigan appears on the scene. Large putty surfaces witness from the extensive repair work at the vehicle from the USA. The crew stands obviously under high voltage. Rumors from the other teams tell that Michigan tries to be able to be taken off the Reparturzeit from Sunday from the competition time. If by the organizer one accepts, the Bochumer team the 4 can. Place copy!

Im guessing the crew stands obviously under high voltage means that we have a lot of energy. the rest of the blog entry had a really interesting blow by blow of Michigan trying to and finally passing Hochschule on the way to Port Augusta.

Good job team! Good luck tomorrow on the ride into the finish line!

Jose; October 25, 2007 at 8:20 AM
Furqan Nazeeri said...: It looks like Nuon finished. My Dutch is rusty but I think "#1" isn't lost in translation...

I'm looking forward to seeing the final cumulative elapsed time for the teams...it looks like we did amazingly well all things considered.

Well done!; October 25, 2007 at 8:47 AM
dearmania said...: from looking at the results for October 25

http://wsc.org.au/download.php@f=764082991f18853d41af697a0b1eda70&n=25%20October%202007%20-%20Results.pdf

Continuum arrived at Port Augusta checkpoint at exactly 17:00!

4th place for now....; October 25, 2007 at 8:51 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm so glad to hear things that things are going well for you guys! I have been having a lot of fun talking with you guys and reading the race updates. Keep up the good work!; October 25, 2007 at 9:08 AM
Anonymous said...: I have been reading your blog last couple of weeks and enjoy every bit.

Thanks.; May 30, 2008 at 6:32 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Day 3 Recap

The Team is currently 45 km outside of Cadney Homestead. Today Continuum traveled a total of 700 km with an average speed of 82 km/hr. At Alice Springs, Continuum was in 7^th place among Challenge Class vehicles and 16^th overall. We were 11 hours and 24 minutes behind Nuon, 10 hours and 2 minutes behind Umicore, 9 hours and 40 minutes behind Aurora, 5 hours and 20 minutes behind Bochum, 4 hours and 26 minutes behind Twente, and 3 hours and 58 minutes behind Soutern Taiwan. Today we have gained 30 minutes on Bochum , 1 hour on Twente, and 50 minutes on Soutern Taiwan. Please keep in mind that we have had 10 hours and 2 minutes of down time from repairs during the first 2 days of the race. Also keep in mind that even if we go through the control stop before a Team they may still be ahead of us due to the way the Alice Springs Control Stop was structured.

The format for the Alice Springs Control Stop was not known by officials or the Teams until 5:30 on Tuesday evening. The way it worked is that when we arrived at 11am on Wednesday morning the first 6 challenge class teams had at least 2 hours of charge time (and as much as 10 hours of charge time) while Teams that arrived after only got 30 minutes of charging. The first 3 Challenge Class teams were spaced out the distance they arrived and then each car after that was spaced out in 10 minute intervals. Challenge Class Teams arriving after that treated it as a normal control stop. Basically the slowest cars were allowed the least charge time and the fastest cars were given the most charge time.

Today we are just outside of Cadney Homestead and teams like Nuon got here at 1:54pm, while Umicore arrived at 3:20 in the afternoon. Continuum arrived later than them, but we had to drive another 220km this morning just to reach Alice Springs. It took us 5 hours and 43 minutes to get to our stopping point from Alice Springs, meaning that we should arrive in Cadney Homestead in 6 hours and 15 minutes. Despite setbacks and only running on half of a battery pack's charge, Continuum is keeping pace with even the lead cars. In general, the crew is focused on regaining ground and is extremely proud to see Continuum making so much progress in such a short amount of time. It’s one thing to build a fast Team, but to have a Team who can take on a challenge this great, clear it, and still be so fast is incredible to be a part of. It’s almost impossible to prepare for what happened on Day 1 despite thousands of miles of testing in light and heavy traffic. To have rebuilt Continuum overnight is fascinating to see. We look to arrive in Adelaide at midday on Friday and we are eager to see how Continuum will perform over the next 2 days.

Go Fast, Go Smooth, Go Blue!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

15 Comments:

Anonymous said...: What an awesome job you folks are doing! Your friends at U of M Credit Union are getting daily updates of your tremendous recovery! We are so proud of you! Keep on rolling fast and smooth!

Jim Kirk; October 24, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Guillaume said...: you guys are doing so incredibly well, considering the circumstances.
Good to hear that the weather balloons are working well!

let's keep passing teams!

Go blue!; October 24, 2007 at 2:52 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey Guys
Great to see the car and team doing as well as can be expected. Do you have an ETA for the Pt Augusta Control stop given your average speed etc??? We will be headed out of Adelaide to start the World Solar Cycle Challenge in Ceduna and might just cross paths there if the timing is right.
Be fast, be safe!
Paul
Prince Alfred College
Solar Cycle Team; October 24, 2007 at 3:02 PM
Tom Carroll said...: Paul, we will most likely camp just north of Port Augusta on Thursday night.

Tom; October 24, 2007 at 3:08 PM
dearmania said...: just posted...

Thursday, October 25, 2007
Update: Nuon

Nuon advises us that their level of confidence of arriving in Adelaide today is low.

-----------------------------------
wonder if they'll pass Port Augusta checkpoint before day's end.

can i hope not?; October 24, 2007 at 9:17 PM
Unknown said...: Go Team! You have made amazing progress! Very impressive, keep running strong, it must be fun to be passing lots of other teams!; October 24, 2007 at 9:20 PM
gjs said...: Did I see right on Stanford's site,that they're trailing their car to Adelaide?; October 24, 2007 at 10:23 PM
Anonymous said...: you guys are awesome!!! don't let the crash get you too down. you have an amazing comeback story no matter where you place. it's totally movie material! be proud of yourselves and know that you did your absolute best and that it was perfect! you have really shown that winning is more than just getting in first.; October 24, 2007 at 10:36 PM
dearmania said...: Update: Stanford

We received report from a team member from Stanford that their solar vehicle experienced a mechanical failure and as a result their car rolled.

The report stated that "No-one has been hurt or injured."

The event occurred 371km South of Alice Springs.

at 11:54 a.m.; October 24, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Great blog update. I love it when you give us numbers. Don't suppose you'll tell us Continuum's top speed until after the race. For those not metric nor math inclined, 82 kph is about 51 mph. Think that's about what we averaged last time we drove to Florida. 'Course we stopped for lunch, and to get gas once in awhile.

On Nuna's blog (where they get like 60 comments per blog entry) they mentioned the winds caused them so much yawing that they wore through their left front tire, right "through the canvas." This is the second time they've mentioned driving on a tire worn down to the inner fabric belt. Both times, the tire still held air. They did blow the tire eventually the second time, but we gotta learn the secret of these tires for next time.

Any other secrets UM can steal, er, figure out, would help, too. You gotta hand it to the Dutch team, they know how to go fast. One thing I suspect helped is that they had their car together for testing a lot earlier than Michigan did. Their main website shows a photo of Nuna4 with the array on dated June. Michigan didn't have their array together until a couple of months later. Two extra months of testing, tweaking, fixing, even redesigning might let you find ways to wring a little more speed out of your machine.

I thought the concentrators would provide an edge over them this time, but Nuon's car is pulling away from the pack yet again. Of course, we don't know how Continuum might have performed without a crash.

Last time it was a chunk of metal thrown up in the air by a road train. This time it was running into the lead car. New rule: Don't run into stuff.

Can't tell you how impressed we all are with the recovery after the crash, though. In '05, the dramatic recovery story was MIT rolling their car during track testing, yet still finishing in the top ten. (Sixth, wasn't it?) Their crash was before the race started, though, not during it. The mechanical and electrical crews deserve huge congratulations.

-TC Lambert (tclambert@gmail.com)

PS. It's a little early for "lessons learned," but I have a feeling we're not going to read this blog as much after the race.; October 24, 2007 at 10:57 PM
Anonymous said...: Oh, no, Stanford had a race-ending accident! From their blog (Sasha Z reporting):

"The news came in about a half hour ago. Equinox was driving down the road at 80km/h with Eric Ellenoff at the helm when he noticed a mechanical instability. Immediately afterwards, a tire blew, and the car lost control, jack-knifed, and flipped over.

Eric is fine. He walked away completely unscathed.

The car ended up 10 meters from the side of the road, upside down. The left chassis panel was crushed in a few points where the suspension mounted to it. The bulkheads are crushed. The array is probably toast. When flipped back over, the motor still appeared to be delivering torque. The battery pack, after only cursory inspection, still appears to be safe.

The team will be trailering the wreckage to Adelaide."

People are going to think Americans can't drive. But we do build safe cars. Two crashes, no one seriously hurt. Who would believe these super-lightweight flimsy-looking solar cars could be so tough?; October 24, 2007 at 11:33 PM
Tom Carroll said...: Well as far as tires go, we actually haven't had a flat during the race yet. I was really sorry to hear about the Stanford accident, but I'm so glad to hear that no one was hurt! It sounded really serious.

-Tom; October 25, 2007 at 12:39 AM
Anonymous said...: Hi Tom
We will be travelling through Pt Augusta about 9 or 10am will you be there by then????
Would love to catch you guys at the control stop, I'll work my schedule if you can narrow in a closer ETA

Cheers
Paul; October 25, 2007 at 12:42 AM
dearmania said...: nuon just left Port Augusta; October 25, 2007 at 12:46 AM
Tom Carroll said...: My guess is that we will be spending the night in Port Augusta, so we will be leaving the control stop at 8am tomorrow. The best way to figure out where we are will be to check the WSC website at the end of the day. They should report our location for the night. I should also be getting a call tomorrow morning so I'll see if I can have Brian give you a call.

Tom; October 25, 2007 at 12:57 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Race Update

Last night Michigan camped a little over 200 km north of Alice Springs and Continuum did not have to pull over even once. This was the first night since the accident that everyone could get a good night's sleep. It took Continuum just under 3 hours to reach Alice Springs this morning, which was treated as a normal control stop. This unfortunately means that we were not able to recharge our batteries like the Teams that arrived the day before. We plan to cross into South Australia this afternoon and will hopefully approach the Cadney Homestead Control Stop by the end of the day. At the border of the Northern Territory, the speed limit drops to 110 kph, limiting the speed at which Teams can cruise. Because of the control stop, everyone is only about 3 hours ahead of us on the road (a bit more for total elapsed time). Consequently all other Challenge Class Teams should experience the same weather, so we should be able to catch up with a fair number of them.

Weather update from Nate Lehman

The Weather Team is 60 or 70km ahead of the rest of the Team. We started off the race as prepared as we could be. The forcasting went really well. The only issue was with the Intermet hardware, but after speaking with Intermet to troubleshoot hardware problems, this was fixed. We have had several successful weather balloon launches so far and launch them 4 times per day – at 7am, 11am, 3pm, and 7pm. The UAV has yet to be launched, but once we reach Southern Australia we will do that, too. There was a 250 km wall of clouds that slowed us down quite a bit before Alice Springs. Right now we’re getting about 25 or 30 mph headwinds that are slowing Continuum. After seeing the control stop leader board in Alice Springs we realized that we aren’t doing all that badly especially considering the one day that we lost in Darwin. Everyone is excited at how well Continuum is performing after the accident and we hope to continue passing other teams in South Australia!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

3 Comments:

gjs said...: Good going team,wish you lots of luck. Like the saying goes,its not over till its over. Say hi to Deanna,from her gramps.; October 23, 2007 at 11:45 PM
jose said...: From WSC Blog, it sound like we stopped about 190 km south of the NT border, or about 45 km from Cadney.

The real question is where are the 3 teams that started in before us in Alice Springs. Twente and Southern Taiwan left an hour before us, so either we made up some time on the road or they just missed the cutoff for getting into Cadney.; October 24, 2007 at 6:15 AM
yodamom said...: We are so proud you! Keep up the great and amazing work! We are all on the edge of our seats back home cheering you on. Go Blue!; October 24, 2007 at 7:01 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Monday, October 22, 2007

Tennant Creek Control Stop

Continuum has just passed through Tennant Creek. The trip from Dunmarra was made without any stops along the way, indicating that the electrical repairs were successful! This control stop was only open for another 2 hours so Continuum arrived with perfect timing. So far this morning we have already passed around 10 teams!

Looking ahead, our weather crew told us that it is raining around Alice Springs. After the crash, water proofing was a concern so the engineers ensured that the car would not have any problems with rain during the Tennant Creek control stop.

Meanwhile, Jeff Ferman and Brian Ignaut have gone ahead to Alice Springs. They will work out how the Alice Springs Control stop will work for our Team after the set backs from the accident. Generally this stop is used as a halfway point where cars are able to recharge their batteries for most of Tuesday. Unfortunately due to the accident we will be arriving as the Challenge Class vehicles leave. We hope to gain some time after other Challenge Class vehicles leave to charge our batteries. More to come!

Go Blue!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

20 Comments:

Frederic Barthelemy said...: Yeeha! Keep it up, we're eating at the lead.

Go Blue!; October 23, 2007 at 12:24 AM
Anonymous said...: It great to hear that we're passing other vehicles, and it must feel even better for the race crew.

And at the same time, showing Stanford how passing is done. ;); October 23, 2007 at 12:41 AM
Unknown said...: The only thing to say is GO BLUE!!

It's as though you have Mike Hart pushing the vehicle :)

Michael Buhler
LS&A '84; October 23, 2007 at 2:12 AM
Anonymous said...: jhmrl

go michigan! but leave Stanford out of it for now anonymous.; October 23, 2007 at 4:42 AM
jose said...: From WSC:

Continuum is in 22nd overall, 11th in the Challenge class. Good job guys! Keep it going!

Jose; October 23, 2007 at 9:47 AM
Anonymous said...: Nice recovery. Way to stay focused! Go Fast, Go Smooth (and safe), Go Blue!; October 23, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Furqan Nazeeri said...: Does anyone know if Michigan has filed a protest to get a credit for a portion or all of the time spent fixing the car?; October 23, 2007 at 1:39 PM
Anonymous said...: "I asked about the incident with Michigan and was told that the Stanford convoy never came to a stop and claims no culpability in the collision between their lead vehicle and their solar car. Their race observer agrees. Michigan has started up again and seems to be passing by teams that have even had a day's head start. We all hope that the race officials grant them a clock reset."

From: http://www.stanford.edu/group/solarcar/equinox.html

-Ashwin; October 23, 2007 at 2:46 PM
Ron Lambert said...: It is great to learn that after losing most of the first day due to the accident, the UM team has still passed ten teams already. How sweet it would be if before race's end, they pass Stanford!; October 23, 2007 at 5:51 PM
Anonymous said...: Furqan,

How would that be fair in any sense for the rest of the teams competing that didn't crash into their lead vehicle?

My recallection of past solar races is that solar cars can always stop faster than the cars in the accompanying caravan. What happened really shouldn't be the fault of anyone but the drivers in the caravan and their communication with one another.; October 23, 2007 at 6:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Weather.msn.com shows some cloudiness between Alice Springs and Adelaide. It should affect the leaders more than it does Michigan. We could use more clouds. Continuum's array should show its superiority in cloudier weather. The concentrators should be able to squeeze more energy out of dim light than a normal array. Everybody project thoughts of rain toward the Alice Springs to Adelaide corridor. Think crosswinds, too.

Team Nuon reports that they have had problems, too. They replaced a shock absorber. There were clouds and strong winds. They blew a tire. And Oliver van der Meer needs a haircut.; October 23, 2007 at 6:25 PM
Anonymous said...: Brian,

Where are the prictures? We want jpegs!

-TC Lambert; October 23, 2007 at 6:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Go Blue! Team...look ahead and be positive about reaching Alice Springs. Speedy repairs...great teamwork...currently 11th in Challenge Class! YOU CAN DO IT!; October 23, 2007 at 9:05 PM
Anonymous said...: sphrnfegoqzzxMichigan Fans....

Honor your teams fantastic efforts and all they do to be the best.

I do not hear the team whine so step up and support them.. they deserve more than a slap at Stanford or anyone else
Go Michigan!!!

At the 2005 WSC, after a crash I
heard a team tell Michigan " we are not through......Were _ _ _!

Michigan is not through either....

Go Michigan!!!!!; October 23, 2007 at 9:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Tchah! Of course Michigan's not through. Alice Springs at 1489 km from Darwin is a little less than halfway. IF Michigan gets to proceed thru AS as if it were a regular control stop, and IF there are cloudy skies to slow down the leaders, Continuum, with its revolutionary concentrators, can catch up.

Realistically, the weather looks clear enough the leaders may be able to stick close to the speed limit, in which case they can't be caught. The rule changes apparently didn't handicap these clever engineers enough. They are still bumping up against the glass ceiling of the speed limit.

Wait, I feel a prediction coming on . . . Nuna comes in first, followed by Aurora, with Michigan third. Is that a prediction, or just history repeating itself? And where's Umicore?

I also foresee protests and asterisks, and even more excitement in 2009.

-TC Lambert; October 23, 2007 at 10:08 PM
dearmania said...: to TC L -

re: Oliver van der Meer needs a haircut...i hope he listens to his mother...or at the least keeps all his hair tucked in his helmet while driving ;-)

i too am following other teams, especially Annesley College's EOS.; October 23, 2007 at 10:22 PM
dearmania said...: 'unofficial' but according to http://worldsolarchallenge.blogspot.com/

Continuum left Alice Springs at 2007-10-24 11:17:00

reading that info just made my hard pound!; October 23, 2007 at 10:33 PM
jose said...: According to WSC Blog:

Michigan left Alice Springs at 11:17 in 8th (!!!) in the Challenge class. We are 47 minutes behind Leeming and 22 mintes in front of Calgary.

Go Blue!; October 23, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Anonymous said...: Oliver van der Meer didn't get his haircut in Alice to reduce his weight (a joke), no time for him to read the blogs, and continued racing fast and furious with all his red hair. He really enjoyed talking to your teammates in Alice on Tuesday...it was even shown on Dutch TV !
Some of his best friends are @ U of M, while he is getting his Masters in Aerospace Technology @ TU-Delft.
Enjoying ALL blogs in the meantime ...... his Mom in Portland, OR; October 23, 2007 at 10:59 PM
dearmania said...: leeming didn't leave ahead of Continuum...

and unless no other cars were delayed, we're in 7th; October 23, 2007 at 11:20 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Day 1 Recap

After one day of racing Continuum has gone approximately 600 km. Going into Katherine Continuum was performing as well as before the accident. On the trip from Katherine to Dunmarra we experienced problems with our electrical systems that we did not have time to troubleshoot during the 24 hours after the crash. While these slowed us down, we are still not far from Dunmarra and these should be fixed for racing tomorrow. The electrical division has benches lined up with all of their components, soldering irons, and laptops. They plan to fix the systems on the car before the night's end. Aerodynamically the car was entirely repaired and does not consume any more power than it did before. Mechanically the car seems to be completely repaired and is even performing better as we have yet to have a flat tire! There are 900 km until Alice Springs and 2 control stops. This should put us there early Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, Nate launched several weather balloons today and is extremely excited to get the weather program up and running for the remainder of the race.

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

19 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Great recovery! We are delighted to see you rolling again. Best wishes for the days ahead.

..from friends in KY, with MI roots and a CA branch.; October 22, 2007 at 9:44 AM
Anonymous said...: I've always got a special place in my heart for the electrical team... keep up the good work guys. There's nothing quite like a fold-out table full of soldering irons in the outback.; October 22, 2007 at 9:54 AM
Anonymous said...: Brilliant job getting back on the road. Beat down those electrical gremlins and go fast! Team Nuon says they're expecting rain, maybe just during the night. Maybe you can close that 900 km gap a little.

Here's the standings as of the end of Day 2, as near as I can figure from the various blogs:
Ashiya's Adventure class car, Sky Ace Tiga (love that name), reached Alice Springs.
Nuna4 camped 20 km north of Alice Springs.
NKU's Apollo 5 (Adventure class from Taiwan) camped 40 km north of A.S.
Aurora's Challenge class car camped 60 km north of A.S.
Umicore (Belgium) camped 70 km north of A.S.
Stanford was fifth amongst the Adventure class cars to reach Tennant Creek.
And Michigan camped 40 km north of Dunmarra, less than a thousand km behind the leaders.

Unfortunately, Michigan hasn't gained any ground yet. But the others didn't crash.

Umicore did have some sort of problem. From Team Nuon's blog, translated by Babelfish, when they reached Tennant Creek, Umicore asked if they "could a propeller machine lend because something was demolished in their wheel institution." Nuna4 had minor problems also, with their "silencer," which I think might mean shock absorber, and their "bewolking became thicker." And don't you just hate thicker bewolking?

(I apologize. Computer translation always makes me laugh.)

This is a close race this year. Nuna4 is not walking away with it. If Michigan even finishes the race, it will be a great recovery. And it looks like they have a chance to finish just a little over a day behind the frontrunners.

-TC Lambert (tclambert@gmail.com)

PS. Can anybody post before and after photos of the crash damage?; October 22, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Tom Carroll said...: Brian Ignaut should be arriving in Alice Springs shortly. I am hoping to get pictures during their time there.; October 22, 2007 at 11:30 AM
Anonymous said...: WAY TO BE, BLUE!

So proud of and excited for you all.. Glad to know that everyone is safe and that the car is back on the road..

Love you, Brian!

Lauren; October 22, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Anne said...: Great job regrouping, repairing, and getting back into the race! We're so happy for you!; October 22, 2007 at 11:51 AM
Anonymous said...: Awesome job fixing something that could have been devastating so quickly! This just affirms the fact that you guys are amazing and can overcome anything that's thrown at you! Good luck! We're rooting you on every step of the way!; October 22, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Anonymous said...: Awesome job fixing something that could have been devastating so quickly! This just affirms the fact that you guys are amazing and can overcome anything that's thrown at you! Good luck! We're rooting you on every step of the way!; October 22, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Lambert had some babelfish problems.

Nuna had a problem with a "demper", wich can be translated as a "silencer" but in this context it is a shock absorber. They have air filled shocks. The first time one sprung a leak they refilled it with air. After the second failure they replaced the shock.
"bewolking" = clouds wich you might have guessed.

Groetjes uit Enschede, Twente
Nederland; October 22, 2007 at 1:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Mr. Lambert, your translations are hilarious and we appreciate your efforts ! Congrats and kudos to your team for their great Comeback !
The ProudCheerleaders4Nuna4, Portland, OR; October 22, 2007 at 2:51 PM
Furqan Nazeeri said...: Go Blue! Good job for getting back on the road. Now, go set a new track record and log the lowest cumulative elapsed time (minus "garage time") and put a nice big asterisk next to whoever places 1st in the race.; October 22, 2007 at 2:53 PM
Anonymous said...: Weather.msn.com reports some overcast, or bewolkin, between Alice Springs and Adelaide, with a slight chance of rain, or regen. Not so much bewolkin north of Alice Springs. That might help a solar car trailing the pack and trying to catch up, like say, Continuum.

Told my brother Dan, who works at the GM Tech Center, that after you fixed Continuum you helped out some poor space aliens who had crashed their flying saucer in the outback. 'Cause you guys have proved you can fix anything. "Dilithium crystals? Let's see what we got in the truck."; October 22, 2007 at 3:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Mr. Lambert, if you've recently checked the Nuna website you will notice that your team miraculously appeared in 4th position, so no despair !
Global Cheerleaders4Nuna4, Portland OR; October 22, 2007 at 4:13 PM
Frederic Barthelemy said...: Keep it up guys. Time for day 2! (Official day 3)

We're all rooting for you.

Go Fast, Go Smooth, Go Blue.; October 22, 2007 at 6:20 PM
Anonymous said...: hmmm, where there's dilithium crystals, there's a a ship that can engage warpdrive....

but on a more serious note...Continuum seems to have been given Scotty's blessings from above.; October 22, 2007 at 7:31 PM
dearmania said...: BBC has a news snippet - don't blink or you'll miss U of M.

see http://worldsolarchallenge.blogspot.com/for the link

p.s. Deanna - how few and far between are the cell towers out there in the sticks - oops, i mean Outback?; October 22, 2007 at 7:45 PM
Alex Dowling said...: Unofficial reports indicate that Continuum cleared Dunmarra earlier this morning and expected soon in Tennant Creek. Check back soon for an official report from Australia (Tom will post the message).; October 22, 2007 at 11:00 PM
giakovid said...: Great recovery UofM
Sounds like you u did the impossible.
Good luck with the remainder of the race

Greg
WSC96
UWO SunStang; October 22, 2007 at 11:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Don't stop. Keep up the good work, team. Do the impossible...
-Ashwin; October 22, 2007 at 11:25 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Overcoming Challenges

After 24 hours of hard work, repairs to Continuum are complete! Scrutineering proved Continuum to be safe and reliable after the repairs. The Team began racing again at 8am this morning and has just arrived at the first control stop in Katherine around noon. They'll be charging the batteries for the next half hour or so. Spencer was the driver for the car. When asked if he was driving his response was "Well yeah, I didn't get to drive very long yesterday." We passed the 1^st of 37 teams and hope to pass more over the course of the day! Continuum has performed similarly to before the accident thus far and we hope to continue through the Outback at our current pace.

Go Fast, Go Smooth, GO BLUE!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

3 Comments:

Anonymous said...: The WSC map says it's 316 km from Darwin to Katherine. UM made it in 4 hours = avg. speed of 79 km/h = 49 mph. Not bad.

Dunmarra is about 330 km past Katherine. At this speed Continuum should easily make it to Dunmarra before 17:00.

Not sure what's going on up front. Nuna4 passed Aurora and may have passed Umicore. The provisional times at Tennant Creek show Umicore almost an hour ahead of Nuna4, but a posting on Team Nuon's blog said, "waahoo," which I think is Dutch for "we passed 'em."

The main WSC site is down (too many connections (can't be all my fault)), but the blog is still up.

In the Adventure class, Ashiya University leads. Stanford was about sixth last time I saw an update.; October 22, 2007 at 12:07 AM
Anonymous said...: OK, WSC's website is back up. Now the unofficial time says Umicore left Tennant Creek at 11:08, Nuna4 at 11:25. Thirteen minutes difference. Nuna4 may have caught up since then. Did Umicore have a problem? Ashiya's Adventure class car left at 11:01, and may be the only one ahead of Nuna4.

Continuum's run may be hindered a little because they have to pass so many convoys ahead of them.

Alice Springs is a long reach from Tennant Creek, about 475 km. A few teams may reach it today. I think they all stop and rest for a day at Alice Springs.; October 22, 2007 at 12:38 AM
Anonymous said...: I have been reading your blog last couple of weeks and enjoy every bit. Thanks.; June 2, 2008 at 6:56 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

From the pits

After picking up supplies to keep the team healthy and awake, I have stopped by to provide everyone with a quick update. Tonight will be a late night and we are currently installing new modules on the upper. The completed vehicle will be tested to ensure safety for the driver early tomorrow morning. We are confident the testing will prove the vehicle to be safe and able to continue down the Stuart Highway. Therefore we are treating tonight as any other race evening and will have our drivers in bed shortly. Tomorrow our race day will be begin bright and early with sunrise and we will have the car back on the road at 8am, the normal start time.

It is quite impressive to see the entire team come together immediately after the accident and all divisions have been helping with the repairs. Thank you all for your support. Brian passed it on to everyone at the team meeting and we look forward to an providing another positive update tomorrow.

As always,

Go Fast, Go Smooth, Go Blue!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

6 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Does the car start at the beginning?
Or at where the accident happened?; October 21, 2007 at 10:49 AM
Tom Carroll said...: We are still working that out. More to come later today.; October 21, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Anonymous said...: Fingers crossed;); October 21, 2007 at 1:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Somebody, please give us news! I've looked at blogs for Team Nuon, Stanford, and Calgary in addition to UM's blog and WSC's blog site. Nobody has anything new today. I'm jonesin' here!

-TC (tclambert@gmail.com); October 21, 2007 at 9:48 PM
Anonymous said...: THEY REACHED THE FIRST CHECKPOINT!!! OFF AND RUNNING and nearly as fast as Momentum to Katherine?; October 21, 2007 at 10:56 PM
dearmania said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; October 21, 2007 at 11:02 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Continuum Repair Update

Repairs to the chassis and upper surface are finished and they are currently being sanded. The new solar modules will be on the car shortly - forcing us to wait until they cure. Later this evening we will be doing speed and dynamic testing on the race track to ensure that Continuum is safe and that there are no further problems with the car. Continuum will be ready to race again tomorrow morning at 8am.

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Continuum Repairs

Race officials have been working with us to ensure that all Team members are safe after the accident and there has been a lot of immediate support from both race officials and locals. Coming out of this impact, our lead vehicle actually shows more sign of damage than Continuum itself. The rear hatch has been forced in to the point where it is non-functional. Thanks to proper race caravaning, the crash was less severe than it could have been considering the vehicles were forced to brake from 70 km/hr.

Fortunately, in crashing Continuum performed exactly as designed. The crush space protected the driver entirely and components failed as predicted, a tribute to the amazing designs. Meanwhile, Spencer Bailey, the driver of Continuum, has walked away with only a single scratch and a bruise from the seat belt. During the collision his head didn’t even hit the roll bar.

The Continuum Race Crew has moved to a garage at the Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin and within a matter of hours has begun work on Continuum. Damaged modules have been removed, composites are being reinforced, components are being replaced with spares, and preparations for the new array are underway. There is a flurry of activity around the lower surface since it is the most complex and structural part of Continuum. Parts are being repaired, making them even stronger than before the accident without much added weight. The pace of work is quick and the final time for completion will be largely limited by the curing time for resins and epoxies rather than the energy of students working on Continuum. Ultimately, everything looks like it can be repaired.

Even after all of this we are all confident that at 8am tomorrow morning Continuum will be back on the road and operating the way it was designed. We started this race as a world class team and we plan to finish this race as a world class team.

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

3 Comments:

Anonymous said...: We fans are all extremely confident this team of brilliant engineers will fix Continuum's crash damage and get back on the road (with perhaps a little more following distance maintained during driving). This will be quite a story to tell future generations of Wolverine solar car racers.

Team Nuon's blog says their protest is about "shingling," that is, partial overlapping of solar cells. Michigan worked very closely with race officials throughout the design process. No doubt they can thoroughly document the decision and permission process they went through before finalizing the array design. Of course, that may not matter after the crash.

We don't know yet what kind of time penalty the crash will result in. However it turns out, Michigan can still run the race as fast as possible and try to set unofficial records, if only for the pride of the team.

Go fast, go smooth, leave sufficient room for emergency braking, go blue!

-TC Lambert; October 21, 2007 at 4:21 AM
Anonymous said...: Team,

I echo Furqan's relief that everyone is safe.

This team has overcome obstacle after obstacle; this is a setback but do not let this bring you down. You have much to be proud of.

I'm reminded of a a speech given by Lloyd Carr. I believe this was after a game where we came back in the second half and won (in true Michigan spirit). He spoke about how true Michigan teams excel when they are down. This is not the end of the race -- Keep your heads high, be safe and keep pushing.

Go Fast, Go Smooth and GO BLUE!

Michael Brackney
2005 Momentum; October 21, 2007 at 4:39 AM
yodamom said...: This is a very sad turn of events. Thank goodness no one was hurt. We can not even imagine how heartbreaking this is for all of you. We do know that it is times like these that we really find out what we are made of. What one does to overcome adversity is truly character defining. Hearing that you are doing whatever it takes to get Continuum back on course is inspiring. You are truly a WORLD CLASS team.

So nothing has changed. We are still so very proud of you. You define what it means to...GO BLUE!

PS: Someone reach over and give Garrick a BIG hug from his MOM. Love you!; October 21, 2007 at 8:35 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Continuum Accident

In the first hour of racing today, Continuum has had an accident. Spencer Bailey was the driver of Continuum, and aside from a small scratch on his leg, he is perfectly fine. After the Stanford Solar Car Team passed our Team, they stopped abruptly, causing our lead driver to stop, and Continuum to hit our lead vehicle.

As for the car, the concentrator canopy is cracked in multiple places and will be replaced with our spare. The front of the car will need to be repaired and the front solar modules replaced. There was also delamination seen in some of the front bulkheads.

The car is currently back at the test track in Darwin and will be repaired over the next day. At that point we will evaluate the condition of the car and decide whether it is safe to complete the race across the Outback. I will update you again on the status of the car after I speak to the Team in Australia later in the night.

Sincerely,

Tom Carroll
Interim Project Manager

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

11 Comments:

Anonymous said...: We're terribly, terribly sorry to read about Continuum's misfortune and apparent crash, reported by WSC @ 9.14 am local. It looked all so promising for them ....hope sincerely this doesn't mean the end of the race ! Global Cheerleaders4Nuna4, Portland OR; October 20, 2007 at 9:20 PM
Furqan Nazeeri said...: I'm sooooo glad no one was hurt. But at the same time I'm sad to hear we're out of the mix. Go Blue!; October 20, 2007 at 9:20 PM
Frederic Barthelemy said...: Our hearts are with you guys.; October 20, 2007 at 9:50 PM
Anonymous said...: That's very nasty news! I hope you guys can repair Continuum and continue the race.

Good luck!

Jeroen Haringman
www.solarwebsite.nl; October 20, 2007 at 10:15 PM
dearmania said...: i just got off the phone with deanna...

the team is working extremely hard to repair the car.

the team is waiting to hear from race officials concerning the crash. nothing like this has ever happened before...does the team start from the 'crash point' or at the start line?

WSC observers from both team's vehicles gave their statements to race officials.

Continuum is NOT worried about the protest filed against them.

GO BLUE!!!; October 20, 2007 at 10:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Hang in there, team, we're rooting for you!

Dr. Montgomery; October 20, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Unknown said...: Team,
Just heard the news. Stick with it, you came this far, and you can keep it going! As always, those of us back here are thinking of you, and wishing we were there to help. If there's anything we can do, let us know.; October 20, 2007 at 11:58 PM
Anonymous said...: I don't know the details of your incident, but I do remember some reckless Stanford driving in ASC '01. Hopefully that wasn't the case here.; October 22, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Ron Lambert said...: Has the UM team filed any complaint against the Stanford team, in light of its preciously stated (on its blog) dislike and resentment of the UM team because of UM's larger budget? Is there any word from the Australian government or from WSC officials about any actions (such as reprimand) to be taken against the Standord team? Or is everyone just content to believe that Stanford just happened to be the team that passed the UM team and then suddenly stopped?; October 23, 2007 at 5:38 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Chris!; October 25, 2007 at 3:52 PM
Anonymous said...: Here is the report from the Stanford Solar Car blog:

When Ryan pulled out of the starting line with Equinox, he ended up driving a good 10 minutes unprotected by our lead and chase vehicles through the busy streets of darwin. We ended up catching up with our solarcar as it was sitting in an intersection in the middle of traffic. Incidentally, about a minute after we passed through, University of Michigan's car had some kind of accident and ended up running into lead and effectively putting them out of the race, which is really too bad, as this year's team is loads and loads more friendly and outgoing than previous years, at least that's what we hear.

Apparently there has been some "bad blood" between the Michigan and Stanford teams in the past.; November 1, 2007 at 12:39 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Here we go!

Continuum completed dynamic scrutineering successfully this morning at 9:00am at the Hidden Valley Raceway. Our qualifying lap was 2 minutes 30 seconds, securing us the 11th position in tomorrow morning's starting lineup. A total of 38 solar cars will leave Darwin for Adelaide in the 20th anniversary of this amazing race.

Continuum has been packed into the semi for transportation to the start line in a few hours. All the seams are taped, all the bolts are checked, the batteries are charged, and the tires are filled. Continuum will be unpacked at 5:00am tomorrow morning just outside of Parliament where the race will begin. Early hours will be filled with additional system checks, additional pre-race scrutineering, and a public display immediately before drivers enter their cars at 7:45. As the 11th vehicle beginning the 2007 World Solar Challenge, Continuum will cross the start line at 8:10am tomorrow morning (6:40pm on Saturday evening in Ann Arbor.)

We're all very pleased with how far Continuum has come since it was completed earlier this summer. The vehicle has logged 2,390 miles of pre-race testing in 2.5 months, 1,710 of which were on Australian soil with an active concentrator system. Recent testing has shown that we're finally reaching the levels of performance that we've been hoping for. As Continuum rolls out of Darwin in approximately 8 hours, we can be proud knowing that we've completed a suitable addition to the long lineage of Michigan Solar Cars.

Blog posts during the race will be delivered with the help of Tom Carroll, our Interim Project Manager based in Ann Arbor. Tom has been working behind the scenes with a strong group of Team members back on campus to help support our efforts here in Oz. If you'd like to contact anyone on the Race Crew over the next 5-6 days, please send emails to solarcar@umich.edu where Tom will receive the messages and forward them to the Wolverines crossing the Outback. For up to date information on race progress, you can follow the pack through the WSC website at www.wsc.org.au.

Thanks to everyone for your kind messages and words of encouragement. We look forward to making you proud this week.

Go Fast, Go Smooth, GO BLUE!!!

Brian

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

8 Comments:

dearmania said...: how excited all of you must be!

i know none of you are getting any sleep right now.

wishing BLUE skies and tailwinds...

GOOD LUCK!!!

anita
(deanna's mom); October 20, 2007 at 12:01 PM
Furqan Nazeeri said...: Watch out for those willy-willies and remember, windshield wipers on the left! Go blue!; October 20, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Go Team!!!

Mike and Donna
(Gerald's parents); October 20, 2007 at 3:01 PM
Anonymous said...: As you roll across the start line in just a few short hours, you all should be extremely proud.

This team has introduced game changing technology and strategy, helped secure the life of solar racing as a sport in NA and has most definitely represented the University and United States with excellence. You are a world class team.

In just a few days, a very important chapter in your Solar Car life will be coming to a close. All of your hard work over these past two years will be shown in a matter of hours, enjoy it; its a thrill that will likely not be matched.

It goes without saying that all the alumni are extremely proud. The trophy is yours to bring home.

GO BLUE

Michael Brackney
2005 Momentum; October 20, 2007 at 3:05 PM
Unknown said...: Good Luck Everyone! The U of M Solar Car community will be glued to their computers for the next few days watching for updates! Go Blue!; October 20, 2007 at 7:37 PM
Unknown said...: Hmm... 11th. Lots of passing between Darwin and Dunmara (hopefully before Katherine). Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Go Blue!; October 20, 2007 at 7:44 PM
jose said...: So the team scored an impressive U of M Solar Car Trifecta so far:
1) Pass scrutineering
2) Qualify
3) Have a protest filed against them by another team (see link below) :)

http://blog.nuonsolarteam.nl/; October 20, 2007 at 7:48 PM
Furqan Nazeeri said...: OMG. What's this about a crash? From the WSC website:

http://worldsolarchallenge.blogspot.com/

Update: Michigan out of the Challenge

Reports from the Challenge indicate that the University of Michigan have crashed their Solar Vehicle into their support vehicle. Severe damage to their vehicle has been reported.

This report has not yet been confirmed.; October 20, 2007 at 8:59 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Friday, October 19, 2007

On to dynamic testing & track qualifications

Technical scrutineering is complete for all Teams and Michigan is spending extra time tonight charging batteries for track testing tomorrow. Dynamic scrutineering begins at 8:30am tomorrow and should be complete for all 59 teams (38 solar cars and 21 green fleet) by 1:30pm. Teams will be released onto the track three at a time, after which they'll take turns running one cold lap and one hot (timed) lap to determine start position. Immediately after completing the hot lap, each team will pull into the drag strip (parallel to the straight away) where each team will complete all basic dynamic scrutineering tests.

Today was a productive day for Continuum. Array testing and track testing produced positive results thanks to hours of work over the past week. We can watch seconds being shaved off lap times as drivers become more and more comfortable with the curvy road of the Hidden Valley Racecourse. Tomorrow will give us the chance to build off of these recent improvements to bring the vehicle closer to achieving the level of performance that we've been hoping for.

We're now less than 36 hours away from race start and the whole race crew is excited to let Continuum loose on the Stuart Highway. There's a strong sense of pride amongst everyone here knowing what this Team has accomplished over the past two years. This is a great way to start a race.

Go Blue!

Brian

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

2 Comments:

ashley said...: Enjoyed reading your blog this morning and seeing the photos that are bringing back memories of 2001. Good luck on the track and dynamic scrutineering! I'll look forward to following the race and cheering you guys on from Houston!

-Ashley Milne

P.S. Hi to Chuck!; October 19, 2007 at 1:39 PM
Unknown said...: I echo Ashley's sentiments. I've enjoyed following the blog, and have been checking it every day for a couple weeks now. I'm excited to read the race updates each day. Good luck with everything, and enjoy the experience! I still relish my experience six years ago on the 2001 team.

Go Blue!
Mark Eadie; October 20, 2007 at 2:21 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Technical Scrutineering Passed

After nearly two hours of testing and inspection, Continuum completed technical scrutineering at 4:00pm this afternoon. WSC officials walked the team through sizing tests, array inspection, driver weigh-in, egress tests, "on-road" inspection (turn signals & mechanics), electrical inspection, and battery inspection. As we rolled out of the Royal Darwin Showgrounds, everyone on Race Crew sighed with relief knowing that we had cleared this major milestone.

Above: scrutineering was held at the Royal Darwin Showgrounds

Above: WSC logo placement on Continuum's carbon fiber body

Above: Doug Lambert, Paula Harrison, and Spencer Bailey with the array between testing stations

Above: Nuon completing sizing and array scrutineering

Testing has continued at Hidden Valley with steady progress. Lap times are slowly decreasing and the engineers are practicing maintenance procedures between runs. When Continuum isn't running on the track, our electrical team is testing the array immediately outside of our garage.

Above: tire change practice between laps

Above: Continuum rolling onto the track

Above: Continuum returning to the garage after a successful run

Above: array team testing concentrators in the afternoon sun

Now that the race is just around the corner, we're starting to see some familiar faces join us at the shop in Hidden Valley. Greg Glenn from Spectrolab has joined our Race Crew in Australia for our trip through the Outback. Greg has played a significant role in the development of the concentrators and continues to help us work through last minute problems with this complex system. Chuck and Ann Hutchins arrived earlier this week for another race with Michigan. Considering Chuck's extended involvement in past races, it's hard to believe that this will be Ann's first trip across Australia for a WSC. Tim and Bob Allan will be working with our weather team again, this time using improved weather and communications equipment. Our faculty advisor, Bob Culver, will be arriving tomorrow afternoon after a brief travel delay. Alain Chuzel from Suncat Solar made a visit to the shop this afternoon to view Continuum's solar modules which he encapsulated at his shop in Tucson, Arizona. We even had a visit from Hans Tholstrup, mastermind and founder of the original World Solar Challenge in 1987.

Above: Chuck Hutchins looking at one of the spare mirrors

Above: Hans Tholstrup, WSC Founder

Tomorrow will be filled with more array testing, more track testing, and more maintenance training. We'll wrap the day up with a dinner at the sailing club with the entire Michigan crew including the Team, advisers, sponsors, parents, grandparents, and fans (a total of more than 40 so far!) The whole Race Crew is excited to race after today's scrutineering, we can't wait to hit the track at 6:45am tomorrow morning.

Go Blue!

Brian

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

9 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Congratulations!!! Passing those tests is never easy. I wish I could be there to make that number 41!; October 18, 2007 at 8:49 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm kinda surprised all those test only took two hours.

Quite a relief!; October 18, 2007 at 9:38 AM
Anonymous said...: Congrats, guys! Wish I could be there!!; October 18, 2007 at 5:19 PM
Anne said...: Congratulations, Great Job! Now on to even more fun! :); October 18, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Congratulations, Great Job! :); October 18, 2007 at 10:05 PM
Unknown said...: Nice job guys.

Now your goal is to get a tire change done in under 1:20. Prsctice, practice, just in case.; October 19, 2007 at 2:18 AM
Jed Christiansen said...: Well done to everyone! Efficient scrutineering always bodes well for the race. I wish I could be there, too, but rest assured you've got supporters across the globe.

I wrote my own post about you here:
http://blog.jedchristiansen.com/2007/10/19/racing-teams-solar-and-more/

If any team members read this soon, please say hello to Chuck and Ann, Bob Allen and Bob Culver from an aging alum...

Good luck!
Jed; October 19, 2007 at 6:06 AM
Anonymous said...: Bruce and Joyce Hammond are cheering for you here in Michigan! Congrats on passing your scrutineering tests! Best wishes in the race! Go Blue!!!; October 19, 2007 at 9:48 PM
Anonymous said...: I am happy to read that both Ann and Chuck Hutchins are at the race. May the solar car team be touched by Chuck's enthusiasm as I (and others) have been many years ago.

Go Blue!; October 20, 2007 at 11:21 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Update from Hidden Valley

Three major activities make up race qualifications for the world solar challenge: technical scrutineering, dynamic scrutineering, and track qualifications. The first two validate safety and compliance with regulations and the third helps determine the starting order for the 38-vehicle race pack. Whereas each team is assigned a specific time slot over Thursday and Friday for technical scrutineering, all dynamic tests and track qualifiers will take place on Saturday at the Hidden Valley Raceway. Continuum will undergo technical scrutineering tomorrow afternoon at 2:00pm and we’ll begin dynamic scrutineering and track qualifiers at 7:00am on Saturday. These are the very last hurdles that we have to clear before we’re ready to race in WSC 2007.

Above: view of garage spaces and pit lane

Above: the parking lot is packed with vehicles, trailers, and solar cars

Hidden Valley Raceway is filling up quickly as the last handful of teams arrive at their garages. There have been up to 7 vehicles on the track at once working out bugs and whittling down lap times. Thanks to the introduction of new regulations for the 2007 race, we’re seeing an impressive variety of vehicle designs and configurations.

Here's a quick glimpse of what's on the track:

Above: Team Sinag (Philippines) and Helios (France)

Above: Oxyride

Above: Solarworld (Germany)

Above: Solarworld from rear

Above: Umicore (Belgium)

Above: Twente (Netherlands)

Above: Twente's array with Fresnel concentrators

Above: Aurora's new challenge class car (Australia)

Above: Aurora also brought back their 1987/1990 vehicle

Above: Aviva Southern Aurora is racing the 1999 Aurora vehicle (Australia)

We’re fortunate to be part of such a large and competitive race pack for the 20^th anniversary of this amazing race.

Brian

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

7 Comments:

jose said...: Hi guys,

It looks like there is quite a varied group of raycers out there. Other than Twente, are there any other teams running with concentrators?

Good Luck and Go Blue!

Jose Alvarez
97 & 99 Solar Car Team; October 17, 2007 at 10:59 AM
Anonymous said...: Wow, I still get goose bumps looking at pictures from Hidden Valley.

Best of luck in qualy!

Russ Moerland
97, 99 & 01 Solar Car Team :-); October 17, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Anonymous said...: Hey Spencer and Paula,
The lap record for a michigan team is 2:01 and change. See how you can stack up but don't pull an MIT.
later,
Joe Belter; October 17, 2007 at 7:56 PM
Brian Ignaut said...: Jose,

Twente is the the only other team running concentrators this race. Their system uses Fresnel lenses (flat lenses made of thin sheets of textured plastic) to focus light onto high efficiency cells. Definitely a great design and a great car to boot.

Brian; October 18, 2007 at 8:06 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm interested in a little info about the competition- are those silicon cells on Aurora's car? Where do they fit that driver in the challenge regs?

What have people's reactions been to the new concentrator system?

You have a ton of people here at home cheering for you. Keep it safe on the track!

Chris Churchill; October 18, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Brian Ignaut said...: Chris,

Aurora is using the latest generation of Sunpower silicon solar cells. Not only are they more efficient, but they also feature smaller cropped corners than previous Sunpower cells. Their car is indeed a challenge class vehicle and they have by far the sleekest body of any CC car at the WSC.

The concentrators have drawn a lot of positive attention from people at the track. The most frequently asked question is whether they work. The answer: yes. It's great to see all our hard work pay off.

Thanks for all the great feedback!

Brian; October 19, 2007 at 9:17 AM
Anonymous said...: Aurora's car does look sleek. They even made it aerodynamic from the sides. Silicon solar cells? I thought the top teams all used Gallium Arsenide. After the race, somebody explain the advantages and disadvantages.

Great pictures, great blog. I'm checking Stanford's blog, too. They have an Adventure class car that could give America another chance to win.

I'm getting so excited, I've taken to listening to early Beatles while checking the blogs. You know, the fast, energetic music that made fans jump up and scream.

Go fast, go smooth, take the pole position!

-TC Lambert (UM '79, Doug's dad)

PS. I'm taking encouragement from the fact that Doug shaved. It's as if he thinks he should look good for post-race photos.; October 19, 2007 at 5:26 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Continuum Video

For the latest on the technology used on Continuum please visit:

Mirror technology propels 2007 U-M Solar Car Team

Enjoy the video!

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

1 Comments:

Anonymous said...: Wow! It is great to finally see the completed car with the Concentrators. We saw the Concentrators in many parts and it is exciting to see the end product. Impressive is an understatement! You are in our thoughts and prayers for safe travel and of course, the #1 finish! Christy and Jack Federspiel; October 16, 2007 at 8:38 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Trip to Darwin

Positive test results allowed the race crew a much needed break during the 3,000 kilometer commute up to Darwin. Our first stop during the trip up the Stuart highway was Roxby Downs on the 10^th were we displayed Continuum outside the local Cultural Precinct with our Platinum sponsor BHP Billiton. This was a great chance to share our work with the Roxby community as well as take a peek at the massive BHP Billiton Olympic Dam mine immediately nearby.

Above: BHP Billiton hosted our Team in Roxby Downs for this local display

Above 2: Continuum at PR event in Roxby Downs

After completing our test run in South Australia on the afternoon of the 11^th, we parted with our race semi and drove to Yulara (immediately next to Uluru.) The race crew spent the next morning watching the sun rise, climbing the Olgas, and walking the paths surrounding Uluru.

Above: Uluru gradually changes colors as the sun rises and sets

Above: Race Crew at the base of Uluru

Our next stop was 844 kilometers North of Yulara at Devil’s Marbles where we camped the night and climbed the rocks in the morning.

Above: Continuum Race Crew at Devil's Marbles

Another 782 kilometers of driving brought us to Katherine on the afternoon of the 13^th where the race crew enjoyed swimming in the Katherine Gorge. Our last day of driving brought us to Litchfield National Park and then finally to Darwin.

Above: rivers near Katherine and Litchfield are known for occasional appearances by crocodiles

We're now situated in Garage #30 at the Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin. Uni Technology Malaysia is immediately next door in garage #29 and virtually all the remaining garages have been filled or reserved by other teams. Darwin's tropical climate is keeping temperatures above 35 degrees C with 90% humidity and little wind. Since unloading Continuum on Sunday night, we've begun test runs on the 2.9km track and results look good. We'll continue to fine-tune the vehicle's suspension, tire, and motor configurations as we approach track qualifiers this Saturday.

Above: Semi parked in front of garage next to other team vehicles and trailers

Above: pit lane immediately outside of garage

Above: unloading Continuum from semi at Hidden Valley

The next week will be spent tuning Continuum for the track, preparing the vehicle for scrutineering, and making final modifications before competition next week. More updates to come!

Brian

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

4 Comments:

Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.; October 21, 2007 at 1:48 AM
Anonymous said...: Very interesting! Looks like that would have been extremely fun to be there.; December 22, 2007 at 2:57 PM
Anonymous said...: I wish you guys would come to Tennessee Tech in Knoxville, TN; July 4, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Anonymous said...: Very interesting! Looks like that would have been extremely fun to be there.shipeedu; November 14, 2008 at 3:47 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

One last day of testing...

To test and validate some recent alterations to Continuum, the race crew completed one last day of testing on the Stuart highway last Thursday before heading up to Darwin. Testing ran on the northernmost stretch of the Stuart Highway in South Australia, allowing us enough road to simulate a full race day on a portion of the final race course.

Above: view of Continuum from Holden Captiva chase vehicle

Thanks to higher caravan speeds chosen by strategy and higher performance numbers from Continuum, testing ran significantly quicker than what we saw during mock race. The day ended earlier than expected, with higher average speeds than expected, and with more power remaining than expected.

Above: campsite in Australian Outback

Last Thursday was a fitting conclusion to our months of work with Continuum on the road. As is seen with most solar car teams, days of testing are invariably broken up with unexpected problems, unexplained noises, flat tires, or loose connectors. After more than 2,000 miles on the road, our last day of testing showed us what Continuum is truly capable of.

Go Blue!

Brian

Labels: WSC 2007 Season

3 Comments:

Unknown said...: Everything sounds fantastic! Good luck on the race. We'll be rooting for you over here.

For those of you that haven't seen it, there's a video about the team on the front page of the University website: www.umich.edu.; October 16, 2007 at 2:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Team,
Two years and countless hours later, you surely have set yourself up for a perfect race. Watch out for those road-trains and bring it home.

Go Fast, Go Smooth, Go Blue

Doug, be sure to put that note on the steering wheel of lead...; October 16, 2007 at 8:12 PM
Michael Adams said...: That view from Chase looks eerily familiar. The head's a little taller on this one, and the middle fairing is a little fatter, but other than that, I swear I had that visual burned into my mind from driving behind the thing for about 2000 miles across two races. Is Doug the Lead driver again? God I hope so. He knows the entire course already.; October 17, 2007 at 2:40 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Continuum Repair Pictures

14 Comments:

Reflections

0 Comments:

Friday, October 26, 2007

Continuum Finishes 7th in Challenge Class

40 Comments:

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Continuum Finishes!!

17 Comments:

Day 4 Recap

17 Comments:

Brief Control Stop Update

9 Comments:

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Day 3 Recap

15 Comments:

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Race Update

3 Comments:

Monday, October 22, 2007

Tennant Creek Control Stop

20 Comments:

Day 1 Recap

19 Comments:

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Overcoming Challenges

3 Comments:

From the pits

6 Comments:

Continuum Repair Update

0 Comments:

Continuum Repairs

3 Comments:

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Continuum Accident

11 Comments:

Here we go!

8 Comments:

Friday, October 19, 2007

On to dynamic testing & track qualifications

2 Comments:

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Technical Scrutineering Passed

9 Comments:

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Update from Hidden Valley

7 Comments:

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Continuum Video

1 Comments:

Trip to Darwin

4 Comments:

One last day of testing...

3 Comments:

Previous Posts

Other Team Feeds

Other Feeds of Note

Archives