MRIU students participated in finals of Shell-Eco Marathon Competition, 2012 in Malaysia

Engineering students of Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) participated and reached to the finals of Shell-Eco Marathon Competition, Asia-2012 held in Malaysia. The team named as 'Team Synchromesh', were fully geared up to test their skills
on the Sepang F1 International Circuit.

Shell Eco-Marathon was a unique competition focused on design, build and drive the most energy-efficient car. The competition has developed over seven decades, expanding to three continents and constantly pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency.

At three events, around the world, hundreds of team competes to travel the furthest on the least amount of energy. Running on energy sources ranging from diesel to solar, participants compete in a car designed purely for ultra energy-efficiency or one that also considers the practical needs of everyday drivers. Student teams from various colleges and schools around the world battle it out to see who will drive the furthest on the least amount of energy.

The Shell Eco-marathon began in 1939 at a Shell research laboratory in the United States as a friendly wager between scientists to see who could get the most miles per gallon from their vehicles. From these humble origins, the organized competition for fuel economy evolved and moved to Europe. In its current form, Shell Eco-Marathon Europe began in 1985 in France, attracting thousands of young engineers and scientists from 20 European countries. This year Shell celebrates its 26th edition, proof of the enduring power of the challenge to engage and attract students from far and wide. In continuation to this Shell has launched Shell Eco-Marathon Asia wherein students from high schools and are invited to design, build and test energy efficient vehicles.

'Team Synchromesh' comprised of ten students and one faculty member from the university. The team was constituted by conducting interviews and were having knowledge in various areas of a vehicle were selected.

The competition was divided in two broad categories - one was urban concept and the other was prototype concept. 'Team Synchromesh' of Manav Rachna International University took part in prototype category which was further divided into different fuel categories like ethanol, gasoline, solar category etc. the team was registered for the Gasoline category.

The design and analysis of the car was done using CATIA software. 123 out of 170 teams qualified for phase two of the competition and Team Synchromesh was one of those. In phase three manufacturing of the vehicle was carried out. A total of approx. Rs. 3 lakh were spent on the manufacturing of the vehicle. The vehicle was shipped to Kuala Lumpur and the teams were ready to hit the Sepang F1 track in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The team got the vehicle that was transported and were assigned a place for the PIT where the car was to be assembled and made ready for the competition. The car was subjected to the first round of safety inspection which was duly cleared.

The technical inspection round was the most difficult round. The technical inspection consists of brake test, engine test, horn test, tyre test and several other tests. The Team Synchromesh cleared all the tests comfortably which was a big achievement in itself. It also meant that the team got the green signal to drive the car on the Sepang F1 international circuit which is a dream for any engineer.

On final day of the competition, the two drivers Aman Agha and Keshav Goel drove the vehicle on the track by turn. Although the team could not make a mark on the Leaderboard, but reaching to the final stage of the competition after clearing strict inspections and driving a car on the F1 track was itself a moment of glory for all, particularly since it was the first attempt by the team whereas other teams had experience of four or more appearances. Certainly it was a great learning experience for the students as well as the faculty advisor of Manav Rachna International University.

The team is full of enthusiasm and has great hopes of participating in the competition next and subsequent years and making its mark.

Posted in: Aman Agha,F1,India,International,Malaysia,Manav Rachna International University,Motor Sports,MRIU,Sepang F1 International Circuit,Shell-Eco Marathon Competition - Asia 2012,Team Synchromesh