Innovation from Exeter students leads them to international solar boat competition
University of Exeter student have returned after a successful first year competing at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge against teams from 25 nations across the globe
University of Exeter students have returned after a successful first year competing at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge against teams from 25 nations across the globe. The purpose of this project was to showcase innovation and the application of renewable energy in the marine industry.
A twelve-strong team of Renewable Energy Engineering students from the Penryn Campus, in Cornwall competed in the recent Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, earlier this month after many months of hard work alongside their studies. The completion saw solar and hydrogen-powered boats, of various shapes and sizes, participate in a series of events designed to test their speed, power and endurance.
The team, called SOLEX competed in the Solar Class in the event. The competition featured qualifying laps, top speed time trails, 4 hour endurance race, slalom event and a final championship race to push these vessels to their limits and some beyond.
The University of Exeter team had been continually designing, manufacturing and testing different elements of the electrical system and mechanical features of the boat leading up to the event with the use of Stithinans Reservoir for their water testing.
The team finished the competition a creditable 11th overall – with their best performance in the speed category, where they came 6th.
Professor Justin Hinshelwood, Associate Professor in Renewable Energy at the University of Exeter and who helped coordinate the team, said: “The Renewable Energy Solar Boat team worked tirelessly to prepare SOLEX, our hydrofoiling solar boat, for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Their hard work, innovation, and commitment not only showcase their individual brilliance but also reflect the high standards and supportive environment of our institution. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments and thrilled to accompany them to Monaco.”
The Cornwall team was made up from undergraduate Renewable Energy Engineering students. They were supported by the University of Exeter’s Alumni Fund as well as sponsorship from Atlas Carbon Products, JLL, AW consulting, KonFloor Ltd, Bembridge Marine and Sunsparks. The team also want to say a massive thank you to all the academic support they had received from Paul Taylor, Phil Nesbit, Justin Hinshelwood and Faryal Khalid for going above and beyond to help facilitate the team.
Harry Cooper, Project Co-Lead and Electrical Engineer said: “It was an honour to work alongside such a great team of motivated students in which we were able to accomplish something great together. Every member of the team should be recognised for their commitment to this project alongside studying a busy degree. I am glad we were able to achieve our initial objective of being competitive at this event and to complete a project which goes as a demonstration of the application of renewable energy in the marine industry. I look forward to next year as we will continue to innovate.”
Max Zimmer, Lead Electrical Engineer and Race Coordinator added: “Leading and being a member of this fantastic team over the last nine months has been an incredible honour. I am immensely proud of every team member for their dedication and passion for the project.”
Ed Swain, Project Co-lead, Mechanical Engineer and Pilot said: “I was incredible to be a part of showcasing the ever-evolving world of Maritime Sustainability. Through piloting the boat at the event, I was also lucky enough to witness first-hand the cutting edge technology out for display on the water – something that SOLEX looks to contribute even more towards in it’s next campaign!”
