Formula SAE, we’re coming for you. Nanyang Venture Formula 1 (NVF-1) team leader Leroy Liau tells us why NTU students are changing gears and gunning for a podium finish in this Formula 1-style race for students
by Chrystal Chan
We have used our knowledge from making energy-efficient cars to build the NVF-1, which must be both fast and environmentally friendly. Most engines in commercial cars are about 20 per cent efficient, which means that only 20 per cent of the energy produced in fuel combustion is used to move the car. Our electric car will have a peak efficiency of 80 per cent.
1. The nose design helps provide smooth, disturbance-free airflow around the car, reducing drag. Made out of carbon fibre, it is both strong and lightweight.
2. The driver-friendly cockpit has a seat moulded to suit the driver and a steering wheel with an LED screen that shows essential data such as speed, motor and battery temperature, lap time and battery charge.
3. The aerodynamic rear wing increases downforce on the car, so it can travel faster with as little drag as possible.
4. The front wing, found on most race cars, provides downforce to the front of the car so it can maintain high speeds without losing grip to improve lap times.
5. The closer the car sits to the ground, the lower its centre of gravity. This will increase the car’s stability and handling around corners.
6. The chassis was lengthened to fit the sizeable battery designed and built by the team.
Formula SAE is a global student competition organised by SAE International (formerly the Society of Automotive Engineers) that challenges varsity teams to design, build and test out small Formula-style race cars. Apart from speed, the cars are also evaluated based on safety, reliability and the teams’ problem-solving ability.
We will be sending three teams to races next year. Two other teams are working on cars for the Shell Eco-Marathon, which prizes efficiency and pioneering technology.
Before any car gets a chance to race at Formula SAE, it has to undergo a strict technical inspection to ensure it is safe for the track. As this is our first Formula car, we decided to keep it simple and focus on designing a reliable car. That’s why many parts of our car are stronger and bigger than those of other teams.
This story was published in the Jun-Aug 2022 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
