American University of Sharjah and Siemens team up to build the region's first student-built solar car

Expected to be complete in May 2008, the car, named the Siemens Sunchaser, has been designed as a regional prototype for vehicles that utilize alternative energy sources. The Siemens Sunchaser is environmentally friendly while optimizing cost and efficiency.

Once built, it is expected that the car will be able to reach a speed up to 100km per hour using only the power produced from solar array. The Siemens Sunchaser will also be functional in the dark due to the installation of a high technology lithium-ion battery pack, which will enable it to run for three consecutive hours without light.

The car's design follows the rules and regulations of the World Solar Challenge, the international biennial competition for solar cars. The student group, led by fourth-year engineering student Nabil Al-Aid, is supported by four faculty members from the university's College of Engineering. The project forms an integral part of the requirements for completion of the student's graduation.

"We are grateful to Siemens for providing funding for the solar car project," said Dr. John Mosbo, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, AUS. "This project provides our students with a tremendous learning opportunity, not only in terms of applying their engineering skills to a real problem, but also in terms of giving them the experience of interacting with fellow competitors at solar vehicle races and the expertise at Siemens," he added.

The project is being supervised by Dr. Rached Dhaouadi and Dr. Habib-ur Rehman from the Department of Electrical Engineering at AUS, and Dr. Ameen El Sinawi and Dr. Mohammed Gadalla from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at AUS.

Commenting on the vehicle's suitability for competition, Nabil Al Aid said: "We are hoping to be able to enter the Siemens Sunchaser in a number of local and international events, including the Panasonic World Solar Car Race, which is one of the premier solar car races in the world."

The Siemens Sunchaser's body and chassis will be built from light, yet strong, composite materials to keep the total weight low. The body is designed to maximize the surface area for the solar array while minimizing the air drag force. The power flow in the car will be monitored by a computer using a wireless network connection. In addition, a Global Positioning System will also be installed for navigation and monitoring purposes.

"This student project is the first locally developed automotive engineering initiative of its kind here," said Joachim Kundt, CEO of Siemens LLC. "It demonstrates that engineering here is entering a new phase where local innovation comes forward."

"As one of the world's largest technology organisations, we have a keen interest in developing engineering skills and technology. We expect that the Siemens Sunchaser team will start a trend where local talent is encouraged and nurtured."

On the global scale, Siemens supports the development of education through its Generation21 platform, which is primarily focused on the sciences. Here in the region, the company offers a number of internships at its regional operations.

The relationship between Siemens and American University of Sharjah goes back several years. Internships at Siemens have resulted in some of AUS students being employed at the company.

Along with Nabil Al Aid, the Siemens Sunchaser team comprises the following students, who are designing and building the car: Alaa Al Sahrif, Mazen Abu Sham, Mahmoud Akl, Waled Anwar, Mua'ath Habboul, Sarra Samara and Dana Younis.