UNSW Model Solar Boat Competition
5 September 2009
Be quick to enter because there are a limited number of positions available.
******* Click here for Registration Form (pdf) *******
Sponsored by the UNSW Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering, & School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering
Recomended for Years K - 8
Competition Details
- Saturday 5 September 2009, 9 AM - 12 Noon
- UNSW Quadrangle
- Enter Gate 14 Barker Street, Kensington
- Parking is free in any NON-Reserved area of the Parking Station
Important Information
Open Invitation
Dear Primary & High School Teachers and Parents,
Are you looking for a way to motivate your students!?! Would you like to make science and/or design fun and challenging? Without breaking the bank? This could be a project for you!
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote and develop interest and expertise in using solar and renewable energies by school students throughout the world by using active learning processes in addressing real challenges. By so doing, it is hoped that the citizens, scientists and engineers of the future will be more likely to participate in developing a more environmentally aware approach to energy usage, both by more efficient use of old technologies and appropriate introduction of renewables.
The Aim
The aim of the challenge is to encourage exploration of solar energy through design and construction of working models powered by the sun shining on solar cells. The objective is to develop a boat that will most effectively travel along a guide line suspended above the water from one end to the other of a 10 metre pool, in the shortest possible time. Two or three boats will race each other in the pool at the same time to determine a winner.
The Competition
This is a very easy competition to be involved in! Just fill out the form and have a teacher or parent/guardian fax it in so that we know that you will be participating in the event. Build your boat to meet the regulations below and show up on the day. Entry in the competition is free.
Regulations
Boat Size
The maximum length of the boat, including any front or rear projections, shall be 550mm. The minimum width of the boat will be 120mm while the maximum width shall not exceed 300mm.
Guides
To ensure the boat steers in a straight line, it must be fitted with two open loops (one at each end of the boat) which can be looped over a nylon (fishingline) guideline. The guideline will be stretched as near as possible 300mm above the water. The guideline must not be used to propel the boat.
Solar Cells
The boat is to be powered by solar cells, up to a maximum of 350 sq cm of the active photovoltaic cells in area. Teams must provide calculations used to confirm the area of solar cells. No storage devices or batteries can be used.
Motors
There are no restrictions on motors. The price of the motor will determine the division that the boat is entered.
Division
- Junior Division: Primary school students and a motor costing less than $20.00 (inc GST).
- Open Division: All high school students or any entry with a motor costing in excess of $20.00 (inc GST).
(This means that a primary school entry with a motor costing in excess of $20.00 will be competing against high school students.)
Propulsion
- There are no restrictions on the number or size of under water propellers.
- There are no restrictions on the number or size of paddle wheels.
- There are no restrictions on the number or size of air propellers.
- The use of Oars for propulsion is permitted.
- The whole boat, including propulsion system must not exceed the requirements of “Boat Size”.
Attaching panels
Solar panels must be securely attached so they cannot fall into the water.
Students must do the work
Students are to design and construct the boats themselves, although some adult assistance to improve the students’ skills is acceptable. All adjustments to the boats, launching and retrieval is to be done by the students without adult intervention.
Hulls
No commercially built hulls may be used.