RS Components partnered with The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) for the Sasol Solar Challenge ten-year anniversary race. With the experience gained in previous races, the team was determined to reduce the gap to the world’s leading teams through investigation and application of the best designs.
In an interview, team leader, Johannes de Vries, said the team would manufacture most of its mechanical components at the institution, and believes that they are now better equipped and more knowledgeable about the requirements and expectations of the race.
The TUT team with SunChaser 3.
“This year is definitely different, because of the more demanding regulations in terms of the solar panel size reduction,” he explained. “Now, there is more focus on reducing the weight of the car since there is less energy available. It will be smaller in size and more aerodynamic compared to previous models. We also experienced that the more we work on the design the more we gain better clarity and understanding of how to improve the design. I am confident that we are well resourced for this year’s race and believe that we are well placed to challenge the other teams.
RS Components is focused on inspiring the next generation of engineers by supporting university programmes that are aimed at increasing an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers, and creating an ecosystem where innovation and engineering talent can thrive. The TUT Solar Car project encourages engineering students to experiment with innovative new technologies and broaden their knowledge with practical skills that tackle real-world challenges.
RS sponsored various components and tools to the TUT team to help construct and get SunChaser 3 on the road. “We’re extremely proud of the calibre of the engineers and technicians that are being developed in South Africa,” said Brian Andrew, managing director of RS Components in sub-Saharan Africa. “Our role is to give them access to the tools, components and resources they require to design, build and maintain the innovations of tomorrow. We wish the TUT team all the best for the future.”
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment
News
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an
Read more...Bearings International fosters dynamic customer partnerships
News
Bearings International has consistently set the benchmarks in innovation and excellence as a leading distributor of bearings, power transmission and interconnected mechanical consumables that sustainably facilitate and optimise operations for mining and industrial customers across Southern Africa.
Read more...Africa’s industrial revolution accelerates
News
As Africa undergoes a rapid industrial transformation, AATF Connect 2025 emerges as the premier platform to showcase innovation, drive collaboration, and spark discussions that will shape the continent’s industrial future.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A good servant and a bad master Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In our new AI-generated world it was inevitable that the Nobel Committee would have noticed. And last November two pioneers of artificial intelligence, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, won the Nobel Prize ...
Read more...Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment Festo South Africa
News
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe Beckhoff Automation
News
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
printer friendly version