Race to WIN!
The University of Vermont Alternative Energy Racing Organization is a student run group that works for the advocacy, research, and development of alternative energy drive systems.
We model ourselves as a progressive engineering firm with our primary goal to design, build, test, and race a highly competitive vehicle in the annual International Formula-Hybrid competition sponsored by IEEE and SAE. For us, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the efficacy of non-traditional drive-systems for mobility engineering and get to drive fast at the same time!
We are committed to finding smart solutions to complex problems. Not only do we push the envelope of green innovation, but we also strive to educate about the issues associated with non-renewable energy sources.
Welcome, please take a look around, and be sure to contact us with any questions or comments.
Recent News
2012
May 14th
Introducing Project CleanSpeed!
AERO will be implementing an all-electric, zero emission race car, with the hopes of competing in both the Hybrid and Electric classes at the 2013 International Formula Hybrid Competition.
We would like to recognize the University of Vermont Clean Energy Fund. UVM AERO has been fortunate enough to be awarded with a significant grant for production of our all-electric vehicle.
For more information about UVM’s Clean Energy Fund please refer to their website
May 12th
A lot has happened since our last update. In late November the Gen-3 transaxle suffered a reduction gear failure during a weekend test session. This failure caused for a partial redesign of the final-drive gears as well as the center differential housing. With time an issue, we turned to Tri-Angle Metal Fab in Milton VT for our complex machining needs. While the manufacturing process took place, we turned our efforts to other areas of the car. Plasan Carbon Composites in Bennington VT was grateful enough to donate supplies and shop time; this allowed us to create a variety of Carbon Fiber parts for the car, which reduced weight while still maintaining the same structural equivalency. Going into March we felt very confident in our vehicle; all the major systems were complete, the transaxle was back in the car, and the competition was just around the corner.
At the 2012 International Formula Hybrid Competition, held in Loudon NH, the vehicle was mechanically complete. With a few minor changes we completed the pre-tech and mechanical technical inspections. However, some last minute additions to the electrical system created an issue with arming the high voltage contactors. Without the appropriate resources, diagnosing the issue was nearly impossible. As we reflect on the outcome of this year’s competition, we are excited to get started on a productive summer.
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