Tufnol Composites sponsors Durham University solar car project

Tufnol Composites is supplying the School of Engineering & Computer Science with high performance industrial laminates that can be used for a variety of applications on the development vehicle.

DUEM is the longest running solar car team in the UK. Established in 2002, it is at the forefront of innovation in the design, manufacture and racing of solar cars. This student team has just returned from competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2015 – a 3000km solar marathon across Australia. More than 50 students take the project from the concept right through to the race track.

Toby McBride, Head of Business at DUEM, said: “After a 3000km marathon race across Australia last year, and with big plans for 2016 and beyond, we contacted Tufnol to enhance our existing in-wheel motor design. The Tufnol material supplied is used for high temperature insulators within the stator of the brushless DC motor. It provides the very backbone of the motor - a critical part on the car. We are delighted with the support Tufnol have provided us and look forward to an exciting future together.”

Roy Thomason, Managing Director for Tufnol Composites, said: “We’re pleased to be involved with this exciting project and to be supplying Tufnol materials for use on the solar car. Many institutions like Durham University are carrying out invaluable pioneering work on different ways of using renewable technologies, such as solar, to create energy. These developments will inevitably lead to new innovations in transport for the wider public.”

Durham University Electric Motorsport is based in the university’s School of Engineering & Computing Sciences. The team is also strongly supported by graduates and academics within the department with expertise in the fields of solar technology, racing car aerodynamics, direct-drive electrical machines and electrical/hybrid vehicles. Many concepts and features implemented in the vehicles have been developed as part of final year undergraduate projects. DUEM will be at the London Motor Show, 5-8 May, at Battersea Park, as well as at the Science Museum from 26-28 July 2016.