Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tyre technology has been praised for keeping Durham University students on track for an incredible 24-hour Solar powered endurance race success in Belgium.
The team successfully completed 225 laps in their solar powered car ‘Ortus-T’ to finish ninth in the iLumen European Solar Challenge (iESC) in September, without needing to make a tyre-wear related pit-stop for the duration of the race. The event, at Circuit Zolder in Belgium, allowed solar cars to show their full potential with low power consumption and impressive aerodynamic design over a full day, with only three stops for charging permitted during the 24-hour event.
Durham University students’ 4x2m machine was designed with 4m2 silicon solar panels, with a carbon fibre and Kevlar chassis. It ran on specially designed Bridgestone ENLITEN tyres, which helped the vehicle to travel for longer between charges thanks to their superior rolling resistance qualities. Durham University Solar Car Head of Business Louise Conn said: “We’re all over the moon with the result, which wouldn’t have been possible with the performance of Bridgestone’s tyres, which allowed us to keep going for longer between charges. A top 10 finish was our goal, so to finish ninth amongst a field of 18 cars – all designed by some of the most talented teams in Europe – is something to be proud of.”
The students’ latest success arrives on the back of their triumphant effort in the Bridgestone 2023 World Solar Challenge, when they completed the 3,000km in their three-wheeled DUSC2023 creation over six-days, also on ENLITEN tyres.
The team channelled their creative genius and technical acumen to modify Ortus-T, which was initially created for a previous Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, making it more compatible with road racing.
The wheel mounting system was adapted to incorporate one centre-locking bolt to speed up tyre changes, while twin motors were added to allow for faster acceleration around corners. The solar car reached top speeds of around 90kmph, while 20kg batteries powered the car at cruising speeds for four hours.
Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tyres were made from sustainable materials, with the proportion of recycled resources and renewable resources in the materials standing at 63%. Within this, the recycled material comprised recycled organic fibre, recovered carbon black, recycled rubber chemical, recycled oil, and reinforcement material using recycled steel.
Andrea Manenti, Vice President Bridgestone North Region said: “The Durham University team never ceases to amaze us. To complete the iLumen European Solar Challenge is an incredible achievement, on the back of their World Solar Challenge success in 2023.
“They continue to demonstrate what is possible in the area of future mobility and we’re proud to be with them for every kilometre of their journeys, courtesy of our ENLITEN tyre technology. Their achievements inspire us to keep innovating and developing more sustainable solutions. We look forward to hearing about their next challenge, which we will get right behind through further collaboration.”
Source: Tyretradenews
