University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project
Daily event results
| Arrival time | Control stop | Kms from Darwin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Oct 22 13:06:51 | Katherine | 317 |
| Day 2 | Oct 23 14:52:11 | Tennant Creek | 985 |
| Day 3 | Oct 24 15:24:07 | Alice Springs | 1493.486 |
| Day 4 | Oct 25 9:48:55 | Erldunda | 1691.663 |
How many times has your team participated in the event?
We have been to BWSC five times : 1999, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
What is the design philosophy behind your solar car?
Above all else, the design of Gaia is an educational endeavor. From designing our motors to encapsulating our own solar cells, UMNSVP aims to minimize outsourcing to provide the richest learning experience possible for our team members. Our designers are encouraged to innovate and create while the team continues its commitment to practicality and reliability.
What is unique about your solar car?
Gaia stands apart from many other vehicles in the Cruiser class as it was designed and built entirely by undergraduate students and meets two distinct sets of regulations: that of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge and the American Solar Challenge. What’s more, the design and manufacturing processes used to construct its shell, motors, battery, and many other components set it apart from UMNSVP’s past fleet. As we built the 15th car in our team’s history, we continued to employ new design and optimization strategies.
Why does your team value participating in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge?
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge provides our team with the opportunity to engage with innovation from all over the world. We’re excited for the chance to learn and grow from other teams. Solar racing has a longstanding history of teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship, and we’re proud to be part of its community.
What is the one thing your team is looking forward to when you visit Australia?
We're most excited to view the wandering wildlife like wallabies and wombats! Australia offers a unique habitat that stands in contrast to much of the rest of the world, and our team has made many road trip games out of spotting them. Let the adventure begin!
