By: Manthan Kothari, Kyle Orr, Thomas Burns, Brian Graham, & Tyler Wardlow (ECE)
Advisers: Dr. K. Yan, Dr. N. Asper & Dr. A. Deese (ECE)
The IEEE Solar Splash competition is an intercollegiate solar/electric boat regatta, the focus of which is to promote research and innovative design in renewable energies. The competition consists of a high-speed sprint race, a 2-hour solar-powered endurance race, and a slalom race. A five member interdisciplinary team has designed a boat for entry into the 2013 competition. The team aims to reduce weight, decrease drag, simplify systems integration, and increase efficiency to ensure success in the competition. Recent rule changes have prompted radical design changes to accommodate for the variety of races that constitute the competition. Major innovations include reversible catamaran hulls, a modular frame, compound drivetrain, and interchangeable propellers. The team is confident that this new design will perform well, ultimately bringing the 1st place trophy home to New Jersey for the first time.