PSR student engineers work to produce solar powered car at Oasis Lifestyle
An engineering invasion has been happening for the past couple weeks at the Oasis Lifestyle facility on Markley Drive. A team of student engineers from Purdue University’s Purdue Solar Racing (PSR), have been working to produce Lux, their solar powered car which will compete in the American Solar Challenge cross country race in July. AOC Resins in Colliersville, TN is lending their knowledge, labor as well as the materials needed to complete the sleek, aerodynamic vehicles outer shell. Oasis is providing their facility, manpower, and expertise in pattern and mold making for the composite body. Approximately 10 students have been working long hours to complete the outer body which will house the solar panels, framework, drivetrain and single driver for an arduous distance drive.
The American Solar Challenge (ASC) is a solar car race across the US that occurs every 2-years. Formerly known as the North American Solar Challenge and Sunrayce, the first event was in 1990 and entailed an 1800 mile trek from Florida to the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, MI. Teams from colleges and universities throughout North America will design, build, test, and race their solar powered vehicles in this long distance, rally-style race. Four engineering groups from Purdue Solar Racing (Composites, Electrical, Mechanical and Operations) are coordinating their efforts in the creation of Lux to compete in the Solar Challenge.
Once all the components are completed and assembled, Lux may be finding its way back to Plymouth from West Lafayette as a test run prior to the race. Keep an eye out for a very unusual looking car in the coming months.