Two student teams from Qatar University and Texas A&M University at Qatar on Sunday unveiled their ultra fuel efficient vehicles which they will use to compete against teams from across Asia at the Shell Eco-marathon Asia.
Shell Eco-marathon is one of the world’s most innovative and challenging student competitions held annually where university student teams from around the world are challenged to design, build and compete with energy efficient vehicles. The winner is the team that goes the furthest distance using the least amount of energy.
The teams from Qatar will compete against 140 teams from 17 countries across Asia at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 4 to 7.
The Shell Eco-marathon record is the equivalent of driving from Doha to Moscow on a single litre of fuel. This year 14 universities from the Middle East including Qatar will be taking part in the event.
“Shell Eco-marathon aligns perfectly with the Qatar National Vision 2030, touching the Human, and Environmental pillars through its focus on education, team-work, environment and scientific innovation,” said Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies, Wael Sawan.
Both the Qatari universities are competing in the annual Shell Eco-marathon for the third time, having become the first participants from the Middle East back in 2011.
In 2012, the QU team achieved second place in its category, running on Shell Gas-to-Liquids (GTL), a remarkable achievement and fitting for a team from Qatar, the GTL capital of the world.
QU President Prof Sheikha Al Misnad said: “We are delighted that Qatar University students have been selected to take part in the Shell Eco-marathon. It allows them to work in teams, practically applying all they have learned in the classroom and showing that they are among the best young engineers internationally who can play a key role in Qatar’s development.”
Shell Eco-marathon teams can enter vehicles running on any of seven different energy sources – petrol, diesel, ethanol, FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), GTL, hydrogen, and battery-electric. Car designs can either be futuristic and streamlined in the ‘Prototype’ category,
Dean and CEO of Texas A&M University at Qatar Dr Mark H Weichold said: “The project represents real-life engineering at work and explores pioneering ways to use alternative energy sources. The challenges of this global event enrich students’ learning both inside and outside of the classroom and the university would like to thank Shell for being a longtime supporter of its academic, research and community service and engagement efforts.”
Source :
Qatar Chronicle
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