Showcasing talent on the path of technological innovation and contributing to environmental protection is the dream of many young people. Students from the Faculty of Engineering at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education have spent about a year painstakingly developing the fifth-generation solar-powered electric vehicle. This October, they will travel to Australia to participate in the "World Solar Challenge," putting their daily learning into practice, promoting solar technology, and hoping to achieve excellent results.
As the competition approaches, the team members are working intensively and actively preparing, conducting repeated tests on the tracks of the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works, and practicing vehicle assembly and maintenance. Every time the solar car runs at high speed, it brings cheers from the team.
The new generation solar car representing Hong Kong is named SOPHIE V, and everything from design and installation to driving is handled by more than a dozen engineering students from the institute.
Lightweight Design and High Practicality
SOPHIE V has a streamlined body made of lightweight and rigid materials. The entire vehicle is covered with 388 brick-sized solar panels and can reach speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour. After charging for three and a half hours, it can travel 250 kilometers even without sunlight. Compared with previous solar cars, SOPHIE V has an exterior closer to everyday vehicles and higher practicality. Its biggest feature is the inclusion of a passenger seat and storage space. As a result, the vehicle is heavier, weighing 340 kilograms, which makes energy management more challenging. Chiu Ping-kuen, Head of the Department of Engineering at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, pointed out that the design of SOPHIE V is a step forward from the previous generation, and its passenger-carrying capability indicates that solar vehicles are gradually moving toward civilian use.
Zhai Jiangwei, a student of the Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering, is one of the drivers. He stated that to reduce the vehicle's weight, many unnecessary devices were removed. "For example, we replaced three rearview mirrors with video cameras. To save electricity, the vehicle has no air conditioning or other electronic equipment." As a driver, the young man is proud of his task. "During the race, we change drivers about every three hours, which is quite exhausting. However, being able to drive the solar car developed by our team is a mix of hardship and joy."
Arduous Journey and Physical Challenge
The "World Solar Challenge" is a biennial event. This year, SOPHIE V will compete against 12 teams from countries including the United States, Germany, and Japan. The team will depart from Darwin in northern Australia, cross the center of Australia, and reach the city of Adelaide in the south. The 3,000-kilometer journey must be completed within six days, equivalent to the distance from Hong Kong to Mongolia, with only one opportunity to charge along the way. The race starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM each day. Team members can only camp and rest in the grasslands and deserts they pass through. Coupled with the hot weather, it is definitely a major test of physical endurance.
Lin Baisen, a student of the Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, is responsible for the design and maintenance of the suspension system of SOPHIE V. He jokingly said that he hopes the vehicle will not need repairs during the race, and his challenge is instead to train his physical fitness. He said: "It is a rally race after all, and driving from northern Australia to the south requires high physical stamina. Therefore, the team regularly goes hiking in Hong Kong to strengthen our physical condition." The solar car was shipped to Australia by freighter in September, and more than 20 teachers and students arrived in batches in early October to conduct further tests and make full preparations.
In the last competition, Hong Kong participated for the first time and achieved fourth place. The SOPHIE IV that competed was a single-seat, three-wheeled vehicle. Having gained experience, the team hopes to achieve better results this time and finish in the top three.