Deakin students drive for vehicle energy efficiency

The Shell Eco-marathon challenges student teams from around the world to ‘design, build, test and drive’ ultra-energy-efficient vehicles at annual events in Asia, Americas and Europe.

It is the fourth time a Deakin University team has competed at the Asia event. Last year the competition had more than 120 teams from 20 countries participating.

Team leader and Deakin mechatronics engineering student Richard Athey says the Deakin team’s current vehicle is the culmination of months of hard work, dating back to last year.

‘It was a great year for the growth of the Deakin Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) team in 2017,’ Mr Athey says.

‘We set high goals, overcame setbacks and now boast a team of 15. We think the car will be the best Deakin has ever had and it looks good. Our aim this year is to win an off-track technology award.’

Mr Athey says improvements for this year’s entry include a fully carbon fibre and aluminium chassis, a fully automated powertrain and control system – so the driver only needs to steer and brake – and a complete revamp of the vehicle’s wiring. He says the team also has one development which he thinks is a first for the Shell Eco-marathon in Asia – the Mobile Unit.

‘The Mobile Unit is a portable computer custom made by a couple of our team members,’ Mr Athey explains. ‘It looks like a beefy iPad that allows the pit crew to have real-time data feedback from the car whilst it is on the track, like an F1 car.

‘It also allows the pit crew to remotely operate the vehicle while it is on the track, removing the need for the driver to worry about those aspects of the car, eliminating human error and making a more efficient vehicle.

‘I’d also like to thank Deakin Engineering technical staff for their support, because we couldn’t have done what we have without it.’

Dr Tim Bodisco from Deakin’s School of Engineering says participating in the competition is a great opportunity for students.

‘The Shell Eco-marathon provides engineering students with an excellent platform to apply their knowledge in a real way, with genuine outcomes,’ Dr Bodisco explains.
‘Not only does this give students a great opportunity to learn and be innovative, it also helps them become industry ready.’

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