Engineering the World fastest Solar race cars

Similar formula 1 for solar cars is the World Solar Challenge.

But this race involves far more than simply a single vehicle.

It completely stretches the boundaries of engineering.

That is the locked position, then, MAN?

It's locked in place.

YANTE VAN HAM: Anything might occur.

Whoa!

God, oh, God.

No response from the cruise or throttle.

WOMAN: Leave the path now!

This race is challenging.

It is the most challenging and important.

and first solar race in history.

stretches all the way back to 1987.

and the difficulty is increasing.

44 teams from 21 different nations

are in Darwin, Australia's most northern city.

They have brought unique solar-powered cars.

that took them years to develop and construct.

Every two years, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge takes place.

and with every difficulty, we reenergize our team.

the car's design and construction.

The amount of labor you put into this is astounding.

A TOOL WHIRRING

There are those who have worked.

70-hour workweeks, maybe 80-hour workweeks

to start the race and live up to this occasion.

MULLER: Humans and machines are combining in a high-tech way.

They'll try to finish a 2,000-mile endurance race.

Straight across the midst of the Outback, heading south.

Considering future generations,

They are attempting to push the limits of science.

But now, they share a same dream:

to win the World Solar Challenge championship.

All of the teams are present with us at the Hidden Valley circuit.

We had just passed by one or more teams.

I became a little anxious as a result of

Many of them are capable rivals.

CHRIS SELWOOD: Without enthusiasm, this event would be meaningless.

the youthful participants' zeal,

Dreaming of finding cleaner, more environmentally friendly ways to do things,

but making those aspirations a reality.

the engine's piston rod.

Energy is crucial to human civilisation, says Muller.

When mankind discovered how to use fossil fuels,

It resulted in the current state of affluence in the world.

However, as a result, now

Every year, we add over 43 billion tons of carbon to the atmosphere.

has catastrophic effects on the climate of Earth.

The new technologies these cars are testing

present to us new opportunities

in aerodynamics, batteries, solar cells,

electronics, too.

These technologies may lead the way

to just relying on the sun to meet the majority of our renewable energy demands.

Consequently, WILLEM-JAN CLAIMS: For us, pushing the limits of technology

is highly crucial.

In addition, we are concerned about the environment.

likewise, we wish to advance technology.

so that we can protect the environment.

MULLER: Mostly coming from universities around the globe,

These groups created and constructed cars.

powered solely by sunlight.

They won't ever be connected.

One, two, three, go.

You're big, you [GRUNTS].

BRANDON NADALINI: It's clear that stress affects you,

although you do feel somewhat fortunate to be here.

because, well, you actually get to apply the theoretical knowledge

of your academic coursework, study, research, and other related activities

into an application.

All right, let's move forward. MAN 2: Put it on and let's go.

MULLER: Essentially, a solar automobile is a solar panel on wheels.

incorporates a motor to propel it forward and a battery to store energy.

The more aerodynamic and light it is,

more quickly and farther it travels.

The efficiency of these cars is crucial.

So we create a quick and effective solar vehicle.

[VAN ELBURG CONTINUES]

Nothing truly motivates people like a competition, you know,

struggling and working all night long for years

experimenting and competing with one another.

VAN ELBURG: You create cutting-edge technologies that are not yet available.

Thus, we are practicing higher order engineering.

MULLER: Every two years, this event takes place.

Technology advances,

The incident restricts the size of the car's batteries and solar panels.

Additionally, they mandated upright seating.

That is why older cars have this design.

and the reason that cars today resemble this more.

Over 40 entries are included here.

and no two solar-powered vehicles are alike.

And now, following years of labor,

It's time for the performance.

They just have a few days to prepare their autos,

Practice passing inspections based on criteria.

[ALL APPLAUSE]

[ALL APPLAUSE]

MULLER: In the previous 20 years,

One squad has dominated the competition handily.

That is the Dutch team Team Vattenfall.

Nine races have been held, and we have won seven of them.

The two times we failed to win first place, we came in second.

Right, it is really funny.

Because many teams do not discuss achieving first place,

or succeeding in the contest. They are all discussing

"Beat the Dutch" comes to mind. Yes, yes, yes.

This year, we made use of a fresh advancement in aerodynamics.

[BELLINGA TALKS]

MULLER: Shark skin is a ribbed, film-wrapped covering.

little ridges along the flow

that reduced turbulence when air passed through it.

Up to 8% less drag may be achieved.

[BELLINGA TALKS]

It's incredible how many various designs there are, Muller.

thinking about solar races from the past,

The autos have always had the same appearance in my mind.

this broad, flat layout.

But there are numerous, wildly dissimilar designs present.

I want to look around some more.

There are two design schools of thinking among the top teams.

The wide, small, and perhaps more stable catamaran.

Moreover, the bullet design

a lengthy mono-hull design, a more recent idea

believed to reduce wind drag.

The catamaran is an established, dependable style.

and the bullet are other examples of attempting to use the rules as effectively as possible.

purchase a super-fast vehicle.

We still don't fully understand which is superior.

And most likely, this event will demonstrate which one is superior.

MULLER: In terms of cooperation,

Japan's Tokai University is incredibly strict.

They also invented the bullet-hull design.

BIKKANNAVAR: During the previous occasion, Tokai sort of revealed

the bullet or monohull style.

And I believe that many teams were caught off guard by it.

You know, ten or more of the best teams are what you see this year.

have changed to that style.

I consider that proof of that.

Oh, wow, that was a terrific concept, and we all should have given it some thought.

I find it hard to imagine that Tokai's car is a one-of-a-kind creation.

The craftsmanship appears to have been completed recently.

the manufacturing process of a significant company.

It kind of inspires awe.

Check out that automobile!

It's gorgeous!

(CHUCKLES)

MULLER: The motor is missing.

[KOUHEI SAGAWA DISCUSSES]

Is that right there the motor?

[SAGAWA TALKS]

a speed of 140 km/h?

But you even can't... You know you're not supposed to go that fast.

Yeah. Yeah.

Will you succeed?

[INNOCENT CHATTING]

[SAGAWA TALKS]

Everyone seemed to be quite busy.

Yeah.

MULLER: Is the cockpit ventilated in any way?

SAGAWA: I'll demonstrate that, yes.

Murrell Chuckling

Is that where the air is entering right now?

SAGAWA: I'm coming. Maybe this is where you can see.

Moreover, whether you're driving,

Will you use that hose to... as in this?

-[LAUGHING] -Shift in place.

[CHUCKLES]

[MAN TALKING IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE]

Because of their meticulous efficiency engineering, MULLER:

every little thing might have an impact on how they function.

Even a little tape that flaps around

can more than 5% increase drag.

Teams work so hard to avoid doing this when testing their vehicles.

[MAN OVER RADIO SPONSORING DUTCH]

Radiation beeps

Nevertheless, sadly for Vattenfall,

They're already having problems.

[SPEAKING]

[INDISTINT DISCUSSION]

Therefore, aerodynamics are crucial.

Therefore, a single scratch to the aerodynamics is catastrophic.

BELLINGA: We'll look at the issue to see what's broken.

and see if we can have things fixed in a day or a night.

We must look into everything.

We weren't prepared for it, so it will be difficult job.

This sort of thing will occur.

To wind a tool

[PLAYING ELECTRONIC MUSIC]

Stanford University in the US.

is a group that this year is anticipated to pose a threat.

They have an automobile with a bullet design.

They are also one of the younger teams competing.

Nearly all of them are undergrads.

This car, how much of your life? I'm interested in learning that.

How much of our lives isn't this car will be the more pertinent question.

[LAUGHS]

I mean, it's definitely 100% as of right now.

Why does it matter so much to you? Why is it so significant?

I believe, at least in my own mind,

Being able to see something is lovely, you know.

simply evolve from nothing

into this enormously gorgeous thing that we've created collectively.

And being able to do it alongside a group of strangers.

JULIA GORDON: The sun provides the energy for the vehicle we developed.

The degrees of creativity and ingenuity

... the sheer amount of tenacity our team displayed in building this car.

This is by far the coolest thing I've ever accomplished.

I am also one of the drivers.

You're the drivers, right?

Where did you learn to drive like gangsters?

We're short, -[ALL LAUGHING] -

Our hips are the right size.

-We're ready to sit down... -Be your own advocate.

Speak for yourselves, everyone.

We're willing to traverse the Outback in this oven, so...

How hot is it? It feels like a sauna in there, Gordon.

You simply perspire nonstop for hours.

What driving tactics are used?

We borrowed our driving tactics from Talladega Nights.

MULLER: That's all there is to it.

[CHEERING CROWD]

[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]

MULLER: The crew on Team Michigan is substantial.

Additionally, they are quite discreet about their highly advanced automobile.

Their 11th World Solar Challenge is taking place now.

and they've never returned with the prize.

But they believe that this is their moment.

Our automobile is undoubtedly the greatest. We almost certainly know.

When you examine the crucial performance, I mean

features of a solar vehicle,

aerodynamics, solar panel, and internal electrical system effectiveness,

In all three, we have the best car in the world.

Dan, please check to see if the battery is protected.

MULLER: Confidence is one thing Michigan has plenty of.

Please refrain from filming the battery.

Our secret ingredient is battery.

Anything from that that we don't capture on video is a success in our book.

DICKINSON: The rival teams are attempting to obtain our data.

We have been pursuing for the previous two days in an effort to, you know,

"Hey, can you back up, like, this is... Don't put your camera there," was the request.

And we're also playing a game with them.

You know, I feel like Michigan has this attitude, if you will.

They simply want to show off their assurance.

They slightly frighten the opposing teams, but we don't mind.

So there we are. -Happy?

I suppose that relates to the proverb "Fake it 'til you make it."

[CHUCKLES]

Great stuff. -Thanks.

ENTIRE CLAPPING

Just because these teams arrived here, MULLER says

does not imply that they can complete the race.

Their vehicles must first undergo stringent compliance inspections conducted by experienced racing authorities.

It's quite intense with the first one.

(INDICATIVE TALKING)

This is a form of scrutiny,

when each team is required to provide a car

Through a number of stations

where the vehicles are mostly inoperable

to ensure that they are exactly how they should be.

MAN: The steering wheel reclines the seat.

Yes, we must bring our car to Scrutineering to begin with, said Sarah Spaugh.

and endure four to five hours of questioning from the judges.

It is therefore a significant event for the team.

Since if they come across something that doesn't comply with the regulations,

They might try to convince you to alter it, but that might be very challenging.

We look at driving and passenger safety.

The mechanical operations will then be checked as well.

Oh, yeah, steering, suspension.

-A few significant things. - Of course, I agree.

Is all of their electrical wiring up to code?

Are the batteries the correct size?

Is their mechanical in good working order?

MULLER: These futuristic-looking cars must also be roadworthy.

similar to any other vehicle on public highways.

Here at mechanical, there is a tiny concave portion.

That's probably just adding a tiny bit additional distortion, in my opinion.

CLAIM: With regard to these occasions, our firm ensures

that our vehicles are safe to go on the highways

because the race is about 3,000 kilometers long.

[PERIODS OF TALKING]

MULLER: Belgian team Agoria

is anticipated to compete fiercely in The Outback.

In the previous contest, they came in third.

and they are back with a fired-up and assured group.

And truly, winning is the only thing they are thinking about.

We've never accomplished this before, HAM.

We absolutely have the team and the vehicle to make it happen.

So, here we are. Our trust is strong,

But we also require a little bit of good fortune.

MULLER: Agoria's automobile was totaled in a collision in 2007.

And a battery fire occurred during the subsequent race.

But I believe that the team has had some sort of rebirth since then.

Whoo!

-Whoo! -[TEAM YELLS]

[CLAPPING]

We did an outstanding job in planning, Hemelen.

As a result,

This seems to be the year.

Now, no one wants to be involved in a collision in a 300-pound solar vehicle.

composed of a flammable battery and carbon fiber.

But it does occur.

Therefore, the primary priority is safety.

They are currently inspecting every aspect of the cockpit here.

as well as how quickly the driver can exit in an emergency.

Only 15 seconds remain.

to pass this test, you must be able to do it.

You're all set. Time has begun.

He is currently exiting the vehicle.

Here he is, just in case of emergency. He has fifteen seconds to leave.

He is about to go now. Basically has to handle it all by himself.

I believe he will carry it out.

And he leaves.

(MULLER CHUCKS)

It was barely under 15 seconds.

Observing all of these solar automobiles around,

They appear to be unworkable forms of transportation.

They are typically little, one-seaters, in my opinion.

that are unbearably hot and congested,

who would want to drive that?

However, this is where teams test, frequently for the first time.

innovative breakthroughs in the fields of aerodynamics, batteries, solar cells,

electrical systems, drivetrains.

So, if you consider this to be a race

To create an amazing solar vehicle of the future,

You're missing the point, in my opinion.

This race aims to push solar technology to its absolute limit.

And that has a variety of effects on how we use technology in our daily lives.

[SPEAKING]

The problem is that we only have the driver's head.

a small portion of our structural roll cage protruding from the back.

We're not really shielding this part of the helmet adequately, um

if the vehicle were to roll and move inverted.

I believe we'll eventually succeed.

I am assured of that.

We might need to give a few of these larger concerns another shot.

Our group is known for being a touch scrappy,

but I think we'll make it through.

MULLER: Changes, no matter how minor

can be dangerous and stressful.

With only the tools they carried from home and the ticking clock,

Stanford will have a difficult, restless night working on their car.

We are able to remove it and Bondo over it.

We can carry out it if you believe it to be better.

SELWOOD: The initial objective is to reach Australia.

The second objective is to reach the starting line.

and last, the thrilling drive across all of Australia

across this ancient land's spiritual core,

It's a wonderful spiritual adventure.

DICKINSON: "You're crazy," my friends have said to me.

"Why are you acting in this way? Why do you work in that store 80 hours per week?

With those individuals on that car, you know?

I believe the solution is,

and I have to continually remind both them and myself.

Being the best in the world is our goal.

We're pushing past the capabilities of not merely our rivals,

not to mention the limitations of technology.

And that calls for enormous sacrifice.

MULLER: These teams have a lot on the line.

Along with the competition,

This might be their best opportunity to be noticed.

by the world's largest energy and technology firms.

It resembles a really large job interview.

And many careers have begun as a result of this tragedy.

Hello. What's up?

MULLER: I completed my doctorate there.

Consequently, I'm eager to meet the group.

from Western Sydney University.

According to what I hear,

They're somewhat of a surprise this year.

Describe your day to me. What is happening?

We've experienced ups and downs today, um.

Consequently, a motor controller became slightly warm.

because we were sending it a little too quickly and were on track for a long.

We're out here having fun and staying on course.

The drivers are enjoying themselves,

and one of the men simply overdid it on the throttle.

Uh-huh. [CHUCKLES]

Yes, we are representing our country, NADALINI. It's amusing,

Having a large number of visitors from abroad, you know.

And see, we indulge in a little more fun than we maybe ought to.

educating everyone about the poisonous kangaroos.

Nothing is funnier than seeing someone from another nation.

ask you if a kangaroo looks like the kind of poisonous animal to be on the lookout for.

1, 2, 3, etc.

Our solar cell technology has been modified.

Consequently, we previously operated a silicon cell.

Incoming.

We switched to gallium arsenide this year.

It is a cell fit for space.

employed in initiatives like the Hubble telescope.

MULLER: As opposed to the solar cells installed on your roof,

manufactured from cheap and plentiful silicon,

Cells made of gallium arsenide are far more effective.

However, the cost to create them is a thousand times higher.

Because of this, we often only see them in outer space.

(INDICATIVE TALKING)

But I believe what truly sets the victors apart

is the actual team.

MAN 1: Don't let up on the gas.

-You understand? -MAN 2: I agree.

We refer to ourselves as a family, you know. We don't identify as a team.

Yes, it goes without saying that you need a good car. That should be obvious.

A good team, though, is what prevails in a race.

MULLER: From what I understand, there are a number of additional teams.

thing is being watched by everyone.

German automaker Sonnenwagen has a very well-engineered vehicle.

a strong squad, and.

[ALL YELLING]

The Netherlands' Top Dutch is a brand-new entry.

But when you look at their car, it doesn't look freshman.

- It is remarkable. - [ALL YELLING]

Likewise from the Netherlands is Team Twente.

They possess the most small vehicle in the field.

And that Dutch heritage is made possible by Vattenfall.

This always gets the attention of the engineering community.

In a few of hours,

the start of the World Solar Challenge in the Outback.

Peter, you may proceed.

MULLER: Almost all of the teams have passed Scrutineering.

and completed a timing lap on the course.

to establish their starting places.

The teams are going to leave bright and early.

Top Dutch will set the pace.

Sonnenwagen,

and Japanese brand Kogakuin.

The Belgian team Agoria is in fourth place behind them.

Then the Dutch team Solar Team Twente appeared.

also from Japan is Tokai.

They faced 2,000 miles of dangerous desert.

and only the light could propel them forward,

The journey is about to start.