“We are not only doing this for NUST, we are doing this for Namibia.” This is the unified belief of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) students participating in the Shell eco-marathon.
Set to take place in October, the aforementioned is a continental competition which challenges young and vibrant engineers to design, build and drive eco-friendly vehicles.
A group of nine electrical and mechanical engineering students in third and fourth year received their prototype vehicle in March and have since been honing their individual skills and knowledge to get the wheels rolling. And they have done well thus far.
Uutoni Kuume, a third-year student part of the mechanical team, mentioned that they look at all mechanical aspects which include the body mass, wheel alignment and acceleration of the vehicle. “This is not a go-kart, this is an electrical car,” Kuume specified. “This competition is not about how fast you go, but about how far you can go using as little power as possible. It’s about energy efficiency and eco-friendliness.”
He mentioned that this encourages participants all over the world to design their vehicle in keeping efficiency in mind. “This is an electrical prototype,” Kuume explained. “Other vehicles are internal combustion vehicles which work with engines and pistons. By next year, we are looking to build a 3D printer to print this car. That’s our future plan.”
The vehicle, which was donated by the University of Johannesburg, will be NUST and Namibia’s first entry into the competition. “When we received the car, it wasn’t moving, but now we are driving it,” Kuume beamed. However, he did mention that funding has been a problem as the team needs specific tools and parts to complete the car, as well as other paraphernalia such as safety clothing for drivers and spare wheels.
Also part of the mechanical team, Martinho Boma said they would also need sponsorship for transport, but is thankful to BMW who sponsored their team jackets, among other things.
The electrical prototype consists of two levers for steering and acceleration, mirrors to prevent accidents, a hooter for over-taking and a display monitor for speed, energy and other information as well as an emergency safety button which will cut all power if need be.
Boma, who is in charge of aerodynamics, said he is currently analysing all possible aspects on the body which could affect performance and speed.
“The rivets can affect the efficiency,” he said as he glides his fingers across the body. “I would have to get the mass of the body, then remove the rivets and record the mass again,” he said. Thereafter he would have to come up with possible solutions or alternatives.
Not having enough time to customise the body, Boma hopes that next year the team can build their own. “We have to change the shape, or come up with our own design.”
From the electrical side, Gregory Goseb explained some of what they’ll be working with. The electrical team will work on wiring, telemetry equipment, electrical propulsion and battery management.
Showing me a diagram of the battery system, Goseb mentioned that they need to rework the wiring so the vehicle only runs on one main battery to meet requirements.
Also an electrical engineer in the making and the team’s coordinator, James Haimbodi is grateful for this opportunity. “We call ourselves the Namib Eco Riders to represent Namibia.”
Haimbodi mentioned that platforms such as this could drive more Namibians to be innovative, technologically advance and be more efficient with energy usage. He added that one of the biggest problems in the country is the storage of reusable energy.
He also said this opportunity is key for different engineering departments to work together. “It creates cohesion between the faculties. Students develop polymathic minds,” Haimbodi expressed.
“The Shell eco-marathon allows us as students to start our own automotive industry 0in Namibia,” he concluded.
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