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Technology Education |
What is the ShellEco-marathon? A challenge for high school and college student teams fromaround the world (Europe, Asia, and the Americas) to design, build, and testenergy efficient vehicles. Winning teams are those that can travel the farthest distance using the least amount ofenergy. Last year there were 94 teams at the Asia event in KualaLumpur, 187 teams at the Europe event in Lausitz, Germany, and 68 teams at the Americas event in Houston, Texas. The Eco-Lancers of Livingston High School are the ONLY high school team from New Jersey. The only other team from New Jersey is a team from Steven’s Institute! The current American record is 2,564 MPG and the world record is 8,675 MPG. In the Fall of 2011, Mr. Novotny approached several Technology and Design for Science and Engineering students about the possibility of designing a vehicle for the 2013 Shell Eco-marathon. A handful of students volunteered to look at the competition and began researching the details for preparing a competitive team. Realizing the complexity of the competition, the team opted to develop a two year plan and began building aprototype of their vehicle in CAD and with wood. Details of their work can be found on theirwebsite at www.ecolancers.webs.com The following students comprise the Eco-Lancers: Herbert Bolimovsky, SeanHunter, Harrison Katz, John Metzger, and Justin Russo. Mr. Novotny, the Livingston High School Technology Department Supervisor serves as their coach/advisor. Additional help and support is provided by Dave Richards and Cory Yersak, both teachers in the Technology Department at Livingston High School.   Through grants from Best Buy Electronics and Lowes Hardware the school was able to purchase tools and machines needed to assist in thedesign, building, and testing of the Eco-Lancer vehicle. The addition of Autodesk Inventor Software and new Technology courses at the high school provide the team with the ability to create 3-D models of their designs before physically constructing them. The ability to produce CAD drawings of our vehicle has been a real time saver for the team. Examples of their drawings can be found on their web site. Addition materials havebeen donated from Honda, Inc., Whippany Bicycle, Summit Bicycle, and various teachers in the Technology Department.  The goal for the Eco-Lancers this year is to get an entry into the completion and establish a baseline level of data and knowledge for future teams. While it seems easy to “just connect up an engine to a bicycle wheel”, there are numerous design considerations that need to be dealt with –each one having multiple impacts on the overall design. While at the competition in Houston, the Eco-Lancers will be meeting with other teams to discuss the various types of technologies that impact efficiencies. The team anticipates detailing numerous ideas at the competition and developing them into their future designs. A presentation about the event will be made to students and the public later this year.   Who are the Eco-Lancer sponsors? The following businesses have contribute time, knowldge, supplies, and or materials to the 2012 Eco-lancer Team: Chatham Lawnmower (Honda Engine) Best Buy Lowes Whippanny Bicycle The Summit Bicycle Shop Rocket Sprocket The Metal Supermarket Northern Supply Where can you find more information about the Eco-Lancers?  Last Modified on March 7, 2012
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