Sewage-Powered Car by University of Warwick Students Aims to Break Land Speed Record with Hydrogen Technology
Key Ideas
- Students at The University of Warwick have built a Waste2Race Le Mans Prototype race car powered by hydrogen, using spare and sustainable materials like recycled carbon fiber and beetroot waste for components.
- The hydrogen used by the car is a byproduct of Wastewater Fuels treatment technology being trialed at Severn Trent, showcasing a sustainable fuel source for racing cars.
- The project not only aims to break land speed records but also provides hands-on experience for students in motorsports and manufacturing, with plans to complete the car in 2025 to showcase sustainable concepts.
- Collaboration between the university, businesses, and students highlights the potential of breaking barriers and advancing sustainable technologies in the automotive industry.
A group of students at The University of Warwick, specifically from Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), have constructed a unique Waste2Race Le Mans Prototype race car powered by hydrogen, with the aim of breaking the land speed record. This initiative is part of a larger effort to drive sustainability in racing by leveraging green energy sources. The students have repurposed spare and unused parts, including components made from recycled carbon fiber and even beetroot waste. The hydrogen fuel for the car is a byproduct of Wastewater Fuels treatment technology being tested at Severn Trent.
The project is not only about speed but also focuses on sustainability and innovation. The steering wheel, made from naturally occurring materials, and other adapted parts from sustainable sources showcase a commitment to green technologies. The collaboration between the university and industry partners like Severn Trent highlights the importance of exploring hydrogen as a potential fuel for future racing cars.
The hands-on experience gained by the students during the build process is seen as invaluable for their future careers in motorsports and manufacturing. The university aims to complete the car by 2025 to demonstrate various sustainable concepts being developed. This project signifies the positive impact of partnerships between academia, businesses, and students in pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the automotive sector.