Twenty students from Abu Dhabi University's College of Engineering have joined forces with the Solar Car team from the University of Michigan who are set to take part today (15th January) in the qualifying round of the "Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge" (ADSC) at Yas Marina Circuit.
Sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and hosted by Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company "Masdar" as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the ADSC has attracted student teams from universities in Australia, Europe, America and Asia, who have designed and built solar cars to compete from the 16th to 19th of January. "Dolphin Energy" sponsors Abu Dhabi University's participation in the UAE's first ADSC.
Dean of Abu Dhabi University's College of Engineering, Dr. Aly Nazmy stressed the importance of this initiative, which made it possible for ADU students to be part of the prestigious Solar Car Team comprised of students and graduates from the University of Michigan, thereby making ADU one of only two universities in the UAE to participate in the challenge.
"The fact that our students got the opportunity to be part of a team from the world-renowned University of Michigan is a testament to ADU's keenness in opening new horizons for our students through joint cooperation with the finest educational institutions around the world, whether through developing curriculum or students and faculty exchange programs or participating in joint ventures. It is a new and unique experience for our engineering students, and I'm certain it will provide them with the in-depth knowledge of the design, building and running of a solar car", added Dr. Nazmy.
Commenting on the reasons behind the company's sponsorship, Ibrahim Ahmed Al Ansaari, CEO of Dolphin Energy said, "We are delighted to sponsor the combined team of Abu Dhabi University and University of Michigan and have the chance to be part of what will develop into an international event of stature and prestige. The Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge emphasises many elements that we can identify with including friendship, the power of cooperation and sportsmanship. In addition, the event encourages aspects of mechanical engineering, science and mathematics and highlights the benefits of solar energy and the role it plays in developing environmental consciousness. It is clear that the team has invested a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment and I wish them well in the Challenge".
Jeff Ferman a graduate of the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan and the Solar Car Team leader said, "We're extremely excited to be part of another solar challenge especially as this time we get the chance to introduce ADU students to the solar car racing community. People usually think the challenge is solely about engineering; however, there are a lot more elements that need to be taken into account other than the mechanical and electrical aspects of designing and building the solar car. The entire process instils a sense of companionship and builds team spirit. Throughout our experience prepping for the ADSC, we were really impressed with the knowledge and skills of ADU students and their interest in learning more and more about the solar car, so we're looking forward to their participation during the 4 days of the challenge".
Fourth year Mechanical Engineering students at Abu Dhabi University and one of the Solar Car team members, Mohammed Obaid Rasheed explained that this experience is of enormous benefit to the participants from ADU. "We learned a lot of various details of the workings of a solar car, and it's a great opportunity for us to be able to interact and learn about the solar car challenge first-hand from the team members of students and graduates from the University of Michigan. We're looking forward to be able to design our own ADU car in the future," he added.
Source: WAM