Posted to News on 6th Nov 2013, 11:44
SKF backs sun-powered supercar for World Solar Challenge
SKF is sponsoring Resolution, a solar-powered car developed by CUER (Cambridge University Eco Racing) for the World Solar Challenge, which begins on 6th October in Darwin, Australia.
The car will draw its solar energy from an SKF-sponsored concentrated photovoltaic system (CPV) and will run on SKF Energy Efficient (E2) deep groove ball bearings, proving that SKFs sustainable products can meet the most demanding applications. The innovative SKF E2 bearings have been specifically engineered and manufactured to reduce frictional moment by at least 30 per cent compared with standard bearings.
The project has seen CUER striving to achieve the best possible speed and endurance for the Resolution, backed by the expertise of engineering specialists such as SKF. Part of the sponsorship budget was allocated to purchasing a high-quality aluminium frame to hold the CPV lenses at the right distance from the tiles. With very low tolerances (around 1 degree) in alignment the assembly is capable of tracking the sun in two axes.
CUER has made available a web app that will show the car's vital statistics during the race, which can be found via the website www.cuer.co.uk/blog and Facebook page www.facebook.com/cambridgeuniversityecoracing.
In recent years, SKF has established a strong reputation in the solar power industry. The SKF Solar Linear Actuator increases accuracy and efficiency in tracking the sun and cuts the maintenance costs demanded by alternatives. The actuators are virtually maintenance-free, requiring no downtime for part changes or re-lubrication, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
To learn more about SKF technology for the solar-powered car, including their E2 bearings, please visit www.skf.co.uk.
