By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
After gaining media attention during the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2015 for its rattan prototype vehicle, the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Blue Knight team 2 has decided to change the car to make it more energy efficient.
“We used rattan for its body but the problem with rattan is there are limitations. The organizers are strict when it comes to fire hazardous materials,” AdDU School of Engineering and Architecture Dean engineer Randell Espina said in an interview with EDGE Davao during the launching of Ignite Version 2 on Friday.
Espina said their first participation in the contest last year was a learning experience. “Our problem last year was we did not know how and what to do. During that time, however, we learned a lot through our observation with other schools and countries with their entries,” he said.
Espina said the first design had gained attention of the public because their team was the only one that used indigenous materials, which showcased Mindanao. He said the first version of the prototype, although energy efficient, did not complete the 12-kilometer race because of the design. “The problem was we did not complete the loop because there were considerations on the design,” he said.
Espina said that the only contingent from the Philippines that finished last year the was the De La Salle University.
With Ignite Version 2, the team made a smaller vehicle with automatic engine ignition. “In our latest version, the driver will just switch on to start the engine unlike last year that we needed to pull a rope to start it,” he said.
Espina said the competition demands a lighter weight. The team is targeting to finish all the stages of the races. He said the school is really investing for the new design in order to form the energy-efficient prototype vehicle. “All of us are dreaming to get a place in the competition. But in the actual competition there are limitations that we will encounter,” he said.
The AdDU Blue Knight is composed of engineering students, most of them Mechanical Engineering and Electronics and Communications Engineering with faculty as team adviser.
The students composing the team are team captain Nichol Ivan Allawan, driver Luis Alberto Mata, alternate driver Jakal Suyo, and technical team members Noreen Jim Atis, Edel Jan Ugdang, John Mark Diel, and Zechariah Lasa. Engineer Mark Anthony Rotor is the team adviser.
Espina said the idea behind the competition is to let students experience innovating technology. He said AdDU is now inculcating in the students how to innovate and explore technology and not just depend on books.
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