WIND TURBINE RACER

1. Background of the project

The Technical University of Denmark - DTU - has a long tradition in education within sustainable energy in particular wind energy. The two departments; Department of Mechanical Engineering (MEK) and National laboratory for sustainable energy (Riso) have through the last three decades been involved in highly innovative project in the field of wind energy. When the chance of participating in a race with wind cars arose the participation was a must. Fortunately, many students saw the same possibilities. The "Racing Aeolus!" event is organized by windenergyevents.com.

2. Purpose and goals of the project

Students from DTU are developing a wind turbine car for the "windcar" competition in Den Helder (The Netherlands). A total of nine teams around the world will be racing against each other on a track 5.3 kilometers long since August 20th to 23rd. The team will try to win the challenge. Awards will be given for:

• Fastest Team, 2nd and 3rd runner up
• Best design
• Most innovative design
• Best use of sustainable materials
• Safety
• Overall performance
• Best sportsmanlike behaviour
• Bad luck
• Best communications (website, leaflets, press releases)

3. About the project

DTU will have a unique chance, for the first time ever with its team "winDTUrbine Racer" to be part of the most innovative wind powered vehicle race in the world: "sailing" straight into the wind in a single-handed land yacht equipped with rotor blades turbine. There are many technical specification and rules that the team has to fulfill.

The DTU Team strive to use sustainable materials, use advanced aerodynamics and build a safe, efficient and maneuverable wind turbine car. For the moment the project is going well with a car frame being welded at Risoe facilities, bodywork designed and tested at DTU.