This is a repost from one of our sister publications, Windermere Sun.
Solar Panels Reflecting the Sky, by Debbie Mous, brought to you by WindermereSun.com
(Please click on red links & note magenta)
Change is in the air.Valencia College (1800 S. Kirkman Rd., Orlando, FL) of Central Florida is moving with time, leading and educating Central Floridians during the National Drive Electric Week 2016. National Drive Electric Week, from September 10-18, 2016, is a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today’s widespread availability of plug-ins, hybrids, and all electric vehicles, be it cars, trucks, motorcycles, or buses.The event itself started back in 2011 as National Plug In Day with the simple idea to hold simultaneous events across the country on the same day. It has since evolved and expanded into an entire week of events and changed the name to emphasize the component that would bring tremendous impact to our planet earth: Driving Electric Vehicle! This Orlando event is one of more than 100 across the country where EV owners (aka “EV-angelists”) are holding electric car parades and series of events including the launching of new public EV charging stations. On Saturday, September 10, 2016, at parking lot F of Valencia College West Campus, owners of a wide array of EV’s (electric vehicles), (including Nissan Leaf’s, Chevy Volt’s, Tesla Model S, BMW i3, Ford C-MAX Energi, and a solar vehicle), enthusiastically shared their views of the energy and environmental impact of the EV movement. If you are interested in finding out more about National Drive Electric Week, please click HERE.
It is also intriguing to find some one in Central Florida, Larry Wexler (above), with the idea and dream of one day seeing a Solar Car Race right here in our backyard of Central Florida! From my years in covering the Australian World Solar Challenge (if you’d like to see each of these solar cars from 2015, click HERE) I realize this is an ambitious project that will require many volunteers from many areas (electronics, computer programming, design, marketing, communications, etc.). But it is a terrific goal worth dreaming. So, let’s hope Mr. Wexler much success in this endeavor and let’s give him a hand!
The organizer of the event at Valencia College-West Campus, Lisa Macon (Dean of Division of Engineering, Computer Programming, and Technology at Valencia College), gathered many of our sustainability leaders in the Central Florida community for a very informative afternoon of:
“Introduction to Electric Cars“: The highlights of electric car ownership is presented by Lisa Macon, from different types of propulsion systems to the basic of charging electric vehicles.
“Life with An Electric Vehicle“: Thron Crowe is a local EV expert who uses his early model Nissan Leaf to drive for both Uber and Lyft. He’s quite familiar with Orlando’s charging station infrastructure while making money using his electric vehicle.
“Your EV- Planning and Practice“: Insights from Goering Castro of Cory Fairbanks Mazda are shared, from shopping for the right EV to fit one’s wallet and lifestyle, to integrating one’s EV into one’s daily life.
“Going Solar-Central Florida Solar Co-Op“: Derek Grozio brings us to Central Florida’s Solar Co-Op, which opens now until November 30, 2016. Learn about going solar from an EV owner’s perspective, review the process and benefits, seeing real numbers from a recent installation.
5. “Green Works Orlando-A Path To Urban Sustainability“: Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability for the City of Orlando (as part of the Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Sustainability Initiative, Green Works Orlando), presented topics in energy efficiency, green buildings, renewable energy projects, solid waste innovations, municipal fleet vehicles, and various other efforts Orlando is working toward to become one of the most sustainable cities in USA.
Hope this is helpful. Hope you are considering going Solar and going EV and taking measures in taking parts in Sustainable Living!
It’s a beautiful sunny day (Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015) for all the Solar Cars to head toward Adelaide, Australia. While the red carpet is being set up for these winners,
Red Carpet awaits for all the Solar Cars of World Solar Challenge 2015 (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
After having covered the World Solar Challenge for the third time/sixth year, I have to declare that the Dutch (from Netherlands) really know how to party and race solar cars! Not only are the first two places being occupied by the Dutch, Nuon Solar Team is coming in first this year and last time (2013).Their enthusiasm is infectious. Their energy level is uplifting. For centuries, the Dutch have had to deal with much of their endowed geographic position below the sea level. Such rigorous trials and tribulations may have contributed to their engineering prowess reflected in their design for solar cars. So goes the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” This year one person, Professor Wubbo Ockels, from the Nuon Solar Team, is conspicuously missing. After talking to the team members, I found out that Professor Ockels passed away in 2014. Professor Ockels, we hope that you are enjoying World Solar Challenge 2015 from up there, cheering and laughing with all of us. In his memory, I’d like to invite you all to view this post and visit www.happyenergy.com .
Tokai University and University of Michigan have been perennial top finishers for many years. Stanford University’s Stanford Solar Car Project, Punch Powertrain Solar Team, and GAMF Hungary have all made great strides. These teams have given much hope for all of those who participate in World Solar Challenge. As the world of solar energy technology continues to evolve, much remains to be seen for future races. For example, perovskite-based solar technology may bring huge gains to solar cells in the future. If interested, please refer to these links below for more on perovskite-based solar technology:
Above is the Bridgestone report on the first day of the race at World Solar Challenge 2015 at State Square right in front of the Parliament House of Darwin, Australia, starting at 8:30 a.m. sharp.
There has been a dramatic increase of the number of people with camera equipments, ready to record this exciting moment in human history, during the transition between ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and ESV (Electric Solar Vehicle) engine. For those of you who have not read our previous post on “100% Electric Transportation and 100% Solar By 2030“, have a look at the pattern of history of change and appreciate why there is so much excitement for this event, World Solar Challenge. For we are all witnessing and in so doing, helping to accelerate the change. We cannot wait for the day when electric solar vehicles would be part of the mainstream!
P.S. Understanding such infectious excitement for the race, it would be greatly appreciated if some of the reporters or camera people would stay behind the barriers provided in the viewing area in order to avoid difficulty for the drivers or audiences in the future.
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any comments and suggestions are welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Words just came down the wire from Evan Stumpges of American Solar Challenge, below:
“We’re thrilled to announce that FSGP 2015 will be returning to Circuit of The Americas in Austin, TX July 26-31, 2015 (Sun-Fri), with the first 3 days being scrutineering and the last 3 days being the track race. Mark your calendars! Additional details to follow as they become available.”
Formula Sun 2015 Regulations
(Please click on red links and note magenta)
Please click on Formula Sun 2015 Regulations to review details of the 44-page Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) 2015 Regulations.
The Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) is hosted by the Innovators Educational Foundation. It promotes and celebrates educational excellence and engineering creativity. Fueled by the spirit of friendly competition and teamwork, the FSGP event champions the creative integration of technical and scientific expertise across a range of exciting disciplines (such as engineering, mathematics, sciences, businesses, in multi-disciplined experiential learning and in subsequent careers.) The Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) is an annual track race that is held on grand prix or road style closed courses. This unique style of solar car racing is open to teams from universities and colleges around the world and truly tests the limits of the vehicles in handling curves, braking, and acceleration.
On years when the American Solar Challenge (ASC) is held, FSGP serves as the qualifier race for this competition. Teams must successfully complete FSGP to prove their vehicles before they are allowed to start the cross-country ASC journey. Below, you will see videos (filmed by Michael Nunamaker, interviewed, edited, and uploaded by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker) of some of the solar cars and students that had participated during the ASC (Americal Solar Challenge) 2012:
The racing strategy applied during the three day FSGP track event is different than the cross-country ASC event. Driver training, passing strategy, and quick pit stops are crucial for teams racing in FSGP. It’s also essential to have a diligent team member in the timing booth and follow all of the rules of the track to ensure all laps get counted.
The winner of FSGP is determined by the total number of laps completed over the three days of racing. The team that completes the fastest single lap around the track is also recognized in the awards ceremony. If your university is interested in entering the next FSGP competition, please visit the Formula Sun 2015 Regulations of the event.
Please keep in mind that the Registration Deadlines is on p.7 of the Formula Sun Regulations. We will keep you posted of its location and date of the actual race in future post:
Initial registration package is due: March 1, 2015
Technical Documents are due: April 1, 2015
Track registration package is due: April 1, 2015
A special note for Innovators Educational Foundation: It is a 501(c)(3) organization that is supported with 100% volunteers from all across the United States. These volunteers gave/give their time freely, understanding the importance of education and the impact that real experiences have in a learning environment. For information on how you and your organization can support their effort, please visit their sponsorship page.
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any of your questions/comments/suggestions will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
Please click on Formula Sun 2015 Regulations to review details of the 44-page Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) 2015 Regulations.
The Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) is hosted by the Innovators Educational Foundation. It promotes and celebrates educational excellence and engineering creativity. Fueled by the spirit of friendly competition and teamwork, the FSGP event champions the creative integration of technical and scientific expertise across a range of exciting disciplines (such as engineering, mathematics, sciences, businesses, in multi-disciplined experiential learning and in subsequent careers.) The Formula Sun Grand Prix (FSGP) is an annual track race that is held on grand prix or road style closed courses. This unique style of solar car racing is open to teams from universities and colleges around the world and truly tests the limits of the vehicles in handling curves, braking, and acceleration.
On years when the American Solar Challenge (ASC) is held, FSGP serves as the qualifier race for this competition. Teams must successfully complete FSGP to prove their vehicles before they are allowed to start the cross-country ASC journey. Below, you will see videos (filmed by Michael Nunamaker, interviewed, edited, and uploaded by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker) of some of the solar cars and students that had participated during the ASC (Americal Solar Challenge) 2012:
The racing strategy applied during the three day FSGP track event is different than the cross-country ASC event. Driver training, passing strategy, and quick pit stops are crucial for teams racing in FSGP. It’s also essential to have a diligent team member in the timing booth and follow all of the rules of the track to ensure all laps get counted.
The winner of FSGP is determined by the total number of laps completed over the three days of racing. The team that completes the fastest single lap around the track is also recognized in the awards ceremony. If your university is interested in entering the next FSGP competition, please visit the Formula Sun 2015 Regulations of the event.
Please keep in mind that the Registration Deadlines is on p.7 of the Formula Sun Regulations. We will keep you posted of its location and date of the actual race in future post:
Initial registration package is due: March 1, 2015
Technical Documents are due: April 1, 2015
Track registration package is due: April 1, 2015
A special note for Innovators Educational Foundation: It is a 501(c)(3) organization that is supported with 100% volunteers from all across the United States. These volunteers gave/give their time freely, understanding the importance of education and the impact that real experiences have in a learning environment. For information on how you and your organization can support their effort, please visit their sponsorship page.
~have a bright and sunny day~
Gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any of your questions/comments/suggestions will be welcomed at sunisthefuture@gmail.com
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on solar energy topics:
This is an interview with a team member David of TAFE SA Solar Spirit team of TAFE South Australia University at World Solar Challenge 2013 at Hindmarsh Square of Adelaide, Australia. SOLAR SPIRIT 3 is an extremely comfortable car to be sitting in. I can now attest to that fact. Below is the interview conducted inside SOLAR SPIRT 3 of TAFE SA:
TAFE SA stands for Technical and Further Education South Australia at: www.tafesa.edu.au Below is description/explanation of TAFE SA from their web site.
TAFE SA is the largest provider of vocational education and training (VET) in South Australia delivering more than 1000 courses to an average of 80,000 students per year at our campuses across the State. TAFE SA offers training across more than 80 activity and industry-related areas with a wide range of quality courses and flexible study options to suit your personal needs. TAFE SA plays a major role in the development of South Australia’s future workforce with 88% of students employed or in further study after graduating. In building the State’s skill base, TAFE SA works with industry and business to deliver relevant, high-quality, vocational education and training to better link skills and training with job opportunities, ensuring sustainable employment within the state.
SOLAR SPIRIT 3 at the finish point of World Solar Challenge 2013, at Adelaide, Australia (photo credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker of www.sunisthefuture.net)
SOLAR SPIRIT 3 at the starting point of World Solar Challenge 2013, in front of the Parliament House of Darwin, Australia (photo credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker of www.sunisthefuture.net)
SOLAR SPIRIT 3 of TAFE South Australia is a very comfortable solar car drive or sit in (photo credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker of www.sunisthefuture.net)
Building solar car is part of the curriculum for students at TAFE South Australia University. Students at TAFE should be proud of what they have accomplished and be thankful for this opportunity to advance their skills in green technology of solar car building as I am thankful for being able to sit in this wonderfully comfortable vehicle to conduct this interview.
For a closer look at many of the solar cars participating at World Solar Challenge 2013, please feel free to click->Sunisthefuture Photo Gallery.
More development will be brought forward as the challenge progresses. Keep checking back www.sunisthefuture.net for more !
Please also get into the habit of checking at these sites below for more on World Solar Challenge 2013 and solar energy topics:
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Nuon Solar Team celebrating their NUNA7 (Delft University of Netherlands) being in the First Place of World Solar Challenge 2013 in their “Victoria Square Fountain Substitute” at Hindmarsh Square of Adelaide, Australia (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
It’s great to see that even the cloudy day such as today would not dampen the enthusiasm of Solar Enthusiasts. Upon arriving at Hindmarsh Square of Adelaide, Australia, we are greeted by the Bridgestone Mascot entertaining youngsters among the crowd. There are even bikes made available by the Adelaide City Council for general public for free rides
Free bike rental made available by Adelaide City Council for Oct. 10, 2013 (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
today (Oct. 10, 2013). What tickled me the most is the Victoria Square Fountain Substitute,
Victoria Square Fountain Substitute, conjured up by the brilliant Nuon Solar Team (students who are taught to think outside of the box) (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
conjured up by Nuon Solar Team students…there is nothing that would be able to stop these students (quite capable of thinking outside of the box) from celebrating their timeless ritual of jumping into the Victoria Square Fountain. Below is the interview with Professor Wubbo Ockels and member Maarten Frijling of Nuon Solar Team of Delft Unviersity of Technology (Netherlands) after arrival of NUNA7 at the Hindmarsh Square at Adelaide, Australia (filmed by Michael Nunamaker and uploaded by Susan Sun Nunamaker):
The Timeless Ritual of Victoria Square Fountain Celebration at World Solar Challenge by the Nuon Solar Team, after NUNA7 arrived First at Hindmarsh Square in Adelaide, Australia (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
There is nothing as infectious as their exuberant laughter and hopping into the Victoria Square Fountain in celebrating a successful project beautifully executed.
Professor Wubbo Ockels carefully places flag of Netherlands on top of NUNA7 (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
Every One (including the champaign) waits for the driver to ascend out of the NUNA7 so the celebration may officially begin at World Solar Challenge 2013 (credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker)
Below is the Official Announcement from World Solar Challenge 2013: FLYING DUTCH SHINE THROUGH THE CLOUDS CONTEST FOR SECOND The Nuon team from Delft University, the flying Dutch in the Netherlands claimed their title back today in the Challenger class as they crossed the finish of timing line first in the 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge at 10.03 Darwin time. They took 33.05 hours to drive their car, Nuna 7, 3021 kilometres on solar power averaging a speed of 90.71 kilometres per hour. The jubilant team and support crew celebrated briefly in Angle Vale as their time was recorded before driving to the Official Finish Line in Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Square. Champagne flowed as team did not let the lack of a fountain stop them from the traditional dunking synonymous with the finish line. They’d organised their own wading pool to ensure the tradition continued. It was a close fought battle until the last 50 kilometres. The gallant team Tokai from Japan gave it all they had. The two teams shared the final checkpoint in Port Augusta just minutes apart. But as the rain came down and the clouds rolled in it became clear the Japanese team in their solar car Tokai Challenger were not going to be able to close the gap. There was drama for Team Tokai who were forced to stop and recharge. They were able to travel slowly into Angle Vale at 1.22 pm Darwin time in a time of 36.37 hours with an average speed of 82.43 kilometres per hour. Team Tokai were not able to proceed to the Official Finish line as they did not have enough solar power to travel at a safe speed in traffic. The question is now whether Team Twente from the Netherlands can reach the finish of timing and continue on to Hindmarsh Square. Stanford from the US is currently in 4th, Belgium’s Punch Powertrain is in 5th position, followed by Solar Energy Racers who are now south of Port Augusta. Australia’s team Arrow are in 7th position and are expected to cross the finish line around midday tomorrow. Onda Solare from Italy and Blue Sky Solar from Canada are also in top ten position and still proceeding on solar power. Closing the gap on the Challengers, are the Cruiser Class who left Coober Pedy this morning. Australia’s UNSW Sunswift solar sports car eVe, is now just 50 kilometres behind Team Arrow, followed by the Hochschule Bochum team from Germany and Team Eindhoven from the Netherlands. All Cruisers are expected into Adelaide tomorrow, judging will occur over the weekend. In the Adventure Class, the Aurora team from Australia continue to dominate closing on many Challenger solar cars. The stage is set for more dramas tomorrow on the final leg to Adelaide. Provisional times & updates will be available following close of day five, 5pm Darwin time.
For more photos and videos of World Solar Challenge 2013, please refer to links below:
Sunisthefuture Online Store at Zazzle
Keep in mind that the goal here at Sun Is The Future is to speed up the transition toward renewable/solar energy, for a cleaner, healthier, economically more prosperous, and safer planet earth.
~have a bright and sunny day~
gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any of your comments will be welcomed below or via sunisthefuture@gmail.com (please note if you do not want your email to be shared)
Homepage: http://www.sunisthefuture.net
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In case you haven’t already heard, the solar cells were working so well that the leading solar car NUNA7 of Nuon Solar Team was speeding and ended up with a penalty of 10 minutes during the previous days. At the end of the Day4 of the World Solar Challenge 2013 (world solar car race) between Darwin and Adelaide, Australia, here is the result provided by World Solar Challenge 2013, with NUNA7 of Nuon Solar Team (Netherlands)
NUNA7 of Nuon Solar Team is in the lead by the end of Day4 (photo credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker at www.sunisthefuture.net)
leading in the first place, followed by Tokai Challenger of Tokai University (Japan)
Tokai Challenger of Tokai University (Japan) is in the second place by the end of the Day4 at World Solar Challenge 2013 (photo credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker at www.sunisthefuture.net)
and The Red Engine of Solar Team Twente (Netherlands) being in the third place by the end of the Day4 of WSC2013.
It is anticipated that the first solar car of World Solar Challenge 2013 will arrive at Hindmarsh Square of Adelaide, Australia, on Oct. 10, 2013, Day5, of the World Solar Challenge 2013.
Victoria Square undergoing construction at the moment (photo credit: sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker at www.sunisthefuture.net)
The reason the finish point of this race is not at the Victoria Square this year is because Victoria Square is undergoing beautification and will be expected to have much change in its landscape by its completion.
~have a bright and sunny day~
gathered, written, and posted by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker
Any of your comments will be welcomed below or via sunisthefuture@gmail.com (please note if you do not want your email to be shared)
have unveiled Stella recently. It resembles a squashed, wingless airplane, with the capacity to seat four people, a trunk, intuitive steering and solar panels on the roof that will provide power for a range of 600 kilometers (373 miles) per charge. Stella is one of the solar car entries in the new Cruiser Class of the World Solar Challenge, with the goal being practicality rather than speed, reflecting the growing interest in commercially viable solar cars.
A team of 22 students from the Eindhoven University of Technology of Netherlands, was responsible for the creation of Stella. Stella has an aerodynamic design using light weight material such as carbon fiber and aluminum. It will be getting the official certification for road use, becoming street legal and be ready for sale in Europe.
Below, is the video of First Ride of Stella Presentation by STE (Solar Team Eindhoven) students at Eindhoven University of Technology:
Due to the limitation (less than 20 minutes) YouTube has placed on sunisthefuture channel at the moment, I had to split the “Special Moments of American Solar Challenge 2012” into two parts: part 1 is posted for August 14, 2012, and part 2 is posted for August 15, 2012, at http://sunisthefuture.net . Hope you have/will enjoy viewing these two parts of first movie production (w/music) here at sunisthefuture.net , sharing the trials, tribulations, joy, and exuberant energy of participants of American Solar Challenge 2012. One thing is for certain: it is the cooperative spirit and perpetual optimism of solar energy enthusiasts/industry (also seen among ASC2012 participants) that had brought down the cost of solar energy this past decade.
It is with both pleasure and excitement that I’d like to unveil the video of today, “Special Moments of American Solar Challenge 2012 (2 of 2)”, for this is the first time for me to use movie/video editing software. I’ve learned that one needs to be relentless in cutting footage and meticulous in tapering the music at the beginning and ending of each segment. I’ve even explored many sites online for royalty free music (available at Pond5) and discovered that background music makes tremendous difference in the final product. There is definitely still much more to be learned. After spending much time editing various footage, synchronizing and fading in or fading out of the music, and overcoming frustration in having to deal with instability with certain movie making software, I’ve moved on to Adobe Premier Pro (much more reliable and time-saving). But for the moment, take a look at this clip below and compare it to the twenty-six videos already uploaded at sunisthefuture Youtube Channel (footages prior to yours truly’s attempt at compositing and adding of music) and either leave a comment below or email me at sunisthefuture@gmail.com to let me know of your preference or suggestions. Without further ado, let’s share these very special moments, below:
In the “Special Moments of American Solar Challenge 2012″, I selected only the most memorable moments (such as University of Michigan’s hydroplaning experience, Oregon State University’s picking up a cat and named it Tesla (in 1 of 2), Illinois State University’s encountering Ohio state police and receiving donuts in exchange for wearing hats, Principia College’s breaking their own record on speed of repair work, etc.) that occurred during this solar car race;those of you who were interviewed may still be able to find the uncut and uncomposited versions at sunisthefuture Youtube Channel. Please be very forgiving of my first time working with Adobe Premier Pro. Nevertheless, I am pleased with the fact that I can actually refer to myself as a producer, for the first time, in sharing these special moments of energized solar enthusiasts…driven by the magical dust of sunshine.
Be sure to also check out the part 1 of 2 of “Special Moments of American Solar Challenge 2012” posted on August 14, 2012, of http://sunisthefuture.net .
Any of your comments, suggestions, concerns, and questions are welcomed below or via sunisthefuture@gmail.com
written, interviewed, edited, and uploaded by sunisthefuture-Susan Sun Nunamaker & filmed by Michael Nunamaker and Susan Sun Nunamaker.
Homepage: http://www.sunisthefuture.net
