Michigan Solar Car Team Seeks Edge with Sun Data
The University of Michigan team taking part in this summer’s North American Solar Challenge is hoping to maximize its car’s performance with the help of solar radiation data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Team Continuum is one of 24 teams taking part in the 2,400-mile race, which started July 13 in Dallas, Texas, and ends July 22 in Calgary, Alberta. As the Michigan team approached Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this week, it planned to optimize its race strategy with information from NOAA’s Surface Radiation Network (SURFRAD).
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In addition to nine international sites, NOAA operates seven SURFRAD stations in the U.S., including one in Sioux Falls. The network measures solar radiation as part of NOAA’s effort to generate short-term weather forecasts and monitor climate over the longer term.
Besides using the nearly real-time data from SURFRAD, the Michigan team is also relying on historic solar data along the race route to help it tap the most sun-generated horsepower possible. In the World Solar Challenge across Australia last October, Team Continuum was able to use a solar concentrator to track the sun and boost its power, but such devices aren’t allowed in the North American competition. That’s why the Michigan racers are hoping data power will give them an edge this time.
“The weather is a lot more challenging in the North American race,” said Julia Hawley, Team Continuum’s business manager. “In Australia, it’s pretty much sunny the whole time.”
So how’s the strategy working? Well, the race isn’t over yet, but as of July 17, the Michigan team was in first place with a 21-minute edge over rival Principia College. Stay tuned!
