We have been in Australia for three weeks now and half of the time we have spent in Darwin. With a temperature of around 33⁰C it is quite hot here. Luckily we have air conditioning in the office and workshop and it is easy to maintain. We gradually begin to feel at home here and also for the students of the Night Cliff Primary School we are no longer strangers. After the arrival of Nuna6 last Tuesday we have worked really hard in order to get her race ready as soon as possible.
Testing
A frequently asked question is why we are already in Australia while the race starts at 16th of October. This is because we want to test Nuna6 extensively under the same conditions as during the race. In the Netherlands we did a lot of tests, which proved the mechanics and electronics of Nuna6. Those tests were also important for the drivers, so they know how Nuna6 reacts in certain situations. However you can imagine that because of the heat in Australia both our solar car and the drivers have to get used to it. And it will be hot for sure! The temperatures in the solar car can reach up to 50⁰C. It wouldn’t be easy for the drivers to maintain for three hours in a fairly small space. Fortunately we have enough time to test, so the drivers and also the rest of the team will be well prepared for the 2011 World Solar Challenge.
Nuna6 testing in the Netherlands:
Safety
Next Monday Nuna6 will be approved by the Australian Road Authority and from then on we can start testing on the public roads. Last week we have thought a lot about the division of tasks in the convoy and safety, since we are driving among the other traffic. We have made different schedules to prevent chaos during testing and the race. In addition, the safety plan was also further developed. Though the solar cars in the World Solar Challenge must meet stringent safety requirements, an accident can always happen. In the safety plan is exactly described what needs to be done in case of an emergency. Various emergency scenarios will be practiced as well in the upcoming weeks.
Strategy
Besides testing Nuna6 itself and training the drivers and the team, the tests are also very important to determine the ideal race strategy. Consumption models are created and race simulations will be done in order to drive the 3000 km across the outback as fast as possible. Soon Noud will give more information about our strategy and other related subjects.