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Shell Eco-marathon Youth Challenge UK Case Study | |
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 Regions 2009: | |
 Key Stage 3, 4 & 19+ | |
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 | Between 8 and 12 students per team |
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 | Free to enter, car production costs will vary |
 | 01483 524446 |
 | send email |
 | view website |
Enthusiasts from schools across the UK design and build an energy-efficient vehicle from scratch. The aim is to complete a course of approximately 10 miles using as little fuel as possible. In an annual fuel economy event, vehicles travel at a minimum speed of 15mph with the aim of travelling as far as possible on a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel. To beat the current record set in 2004 they would need to achieve a staggering 11,525 miles per gallon!
Many teams spend the 12 months in between events perfecting and fine tuning their vehicles as students can adapt and then re-enter their vehicles over several years. However, the scheme is flexible so that schools can start building in September or after Christmas, to fit their curriculum.
The scheme invites innovative ideas for fuel choices, material usage and mechanical finetuning. In 2007 for example, there were 10 fuel categories ranging from diesel to solar power, including new eco-fuels such as gas to liquid fuel technology. Previous award-winning teams have even fuelled vehicles on ethanol made from breadcrumbs, as a form of biomass, or adapted lawnmower components for starter motors. As long as teams adhere to safety rules, the design of their vehicles is limited only by their imagination.
For schools wishing to enter, a scholarship scheme called the Schools Activity has been devised to encourage new entries and give assistance to new teams. Teams entered in the Schools Activity receive a 4-stroke Honda petrol engine and an introduction pack with details of how to build an Eco-marathon car and sources of help and advice.
Entries are mainly judged by the fuel economy result they achieve during the event. However, other awards are also given for: Technical Innovation; Best Presented Vehicle; Engineering Excellence; Perseverance in the Face of Adversity; Spirit of the Event and Best Presented Team.
This year’s Shell Eco–marathon Youth Challenge UK fuel economy event will once again be held as part of the Learning Grid Rockingham Festival in Northamptonshire, on 2nd - 3rd July 2009.
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