Solar Splash

Last date of registration for accommodation is 20th December 2009.
Last date of video submission for accommodation is 25th December 2009.
Registrations for SolarSplash close on 31th December 2009. Click here to register.
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When the ancient man lit the first spark of fire, he changed the world! Today, in what seems to be the twilight of petroleum machines, the world now again needs a spark! The need for newer technologies to harness renewable sources of energy is becoming more pressing by the day. Solar powered machines are the future and what today may seem to be a Utopian world is, in fact, the inevitable destiny. Many milestones yet remain to be achieved in the field of harnessing solar energy and in a small attempt from our side, we bring you Solar Splash. Put your imagination to work and build an efficient solar boat which will cover a given track length in the shortest amount of time using nothing but a given light source as energy.

Sounds difficult? Try it!

1.1 Problem Statement

Construct a solar boat which completes a water track in the least possible time.

» Download the PDF version of the Problem Statement

Prizes worth INR 22,000 to be won.

Register here for Solar Splash.

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2.1 Arena Specifications

1. There is a racing track of water which is of length 1400 mm, illuminated by 3 halogen bulbs of 500 W.
2. There is a tunnel on the track at a distance of 650 mm from the starting line. The tunnel is of length 300 mm and height 200 mm from the water level.
3. The first halogen bulb is right above the starting line at a height of 450 mm from the water level. The second halogen bulb is at a horizontal distance of 500 mm from the starting line and at a height of 450 mm. The third halogen bulb is at a horizontal distance of 1100 mm from the starting line and at a height of 450 mm.
4. The water level in the arena would be 0.5ft and the width of the arena would be 2ft.

Note: Please refer to the track diagrams for detailed information.

Figure 1	Figure 2	Figure 3

Figure 4

View the Machine Specifications »

3.1 Dimensions and Fabrication

1. The machine must fit within a box of dimensions 250 mm X 200 mm X 200 mm at the beginning of the race. The machine, when put in the arena at the start of the game, should have the same size as checked with the dimension box above.
2. During the game, the machine cannot expand or detach itself into multiple parts and it shouldn't damage the arena in any way. However, the entire machine should cross the finish line to complete the objective. The judges hold the right to subjectively determine if the machine violates this clause.
3. Machines cannot be constructed using ready made Lego kits or any ready made mechanism but use of ready made gear assemblies is allowed. Violating this clause will lead to disqualification of the machines. Judges hold the right to subjectively evaluate this clause.

3.2 Power Supply and Propulsion

1. The machine cannot use any other energy source than what they are able to draw from their solar cell. No pre-tensioned springs, elastics, combustion or compressed energy sources are allowed, though any of these may be employed in the design so long as it can be proved that they are at a complete state of rest at the beginning of the run. The judges hold the rights to disqualify the machine, if they are not convinced.
2. The method of propulsion is at the discretion of the participant provided it does not damage the arena in any way and it satisfies the safety constraints determined by the judges.
3. The size of the solar cell must not exceed 150 sq cm, (excluding the casing).
4. The team must devise a mechanism to discharge its stored energy. For example shorting wires for the capacitor if the capacitor mechanism is used. The team will be asked to activate this mechanism at the beginning of every race.

3.3 Controls

The machine must be autonomous and cannot be externally controlled.

View the Rules »

4.1 Competition Rules

1. The objective of the game is to complete the track in the least possible time. However the maximum time allotted to complete the track is 5 minutes.
2. At the start of the run complete machine must be behind the starting line.
3. The team is only allowed to touch its machine once at the start of the race to disengage the discharging mechanism, however if the team wishes to touch the machine, they need to restart from the start line and the total time from the first run will be counted. The handling time is also included in the total race time and no extra time will be allocated.However the team need not engage his discharge mechanism at this point.
4. The timer will be stopped when the machine completely passes the finish line.
5. If the machine is not able to complete the track in 5 minutes, its distance from the starting line at the end of 5 minutes will be considered for judging.
6. The qualifying round of the challenge will consist of machines running on the track one by one. Only one chance will be provided to every machine. Top few machines will be sent to next round.
7. The further rounds will consist of one on one races with 2 machines competing against each other on 2 identical tracks on a knockout basis. If none of the teams are able to complete the track within the time limit, whichever boat has traveled the farthest distance from the starting line will be declared as the winner.
8. Participants should not dismantle their machine till the completion of competition. It is subjected to verification by judges.
9. The solar cells and motors must be fitted to the boat in such away as not to be a danger to the operator or other contestants. If the solar cells fall into the water, the team will not be allowed to pick them up.

4.2 General Rules

1. The teams must adhere to the spirit of healthy competition. The teams must not damage the opponent's machine in any way. Judges reserve the right to disqualify any team indulging in misbehavior.
2. Any team that is not ready at the time specified will be disqualified from the competition automatically.
3. The machine would be checked for its safety before the race and would be discarded if found unsafe for other teams and spectators.
4. Judges decision shall be treated as final and binding on all.

4.3 Team Specification

A team must consist of 3 or less participants. Students from different educational institutes can form a team.

4.4 Eligibility

All students with a valid identity card of their respective educational institutes are eligible to participate in Solar Splash at Techfest 2010.

4.5 Accommodation

The teams requiring accommodation have to send a video of their boat on or before 20th December. The CD of video have to be couriered in a single envelope to the postal address of Techfest:
Techfest Office
Students' Gymkhana
IIT Bombay, Powai
Mumbai - 400076.

4.6 Certificate Policy

1. Certificate of Excellence will be awarded to all winners.
2. Certificates of Participation will be awarded to all the teams that are able to cross the tunnel.

View the Resources »

5.1 Tutorial

To view the tutorial for Solar Splash click here

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