SERC students race to success at Formula 24+

SERC Engineering students took home top prize at the prestigious Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Formula 24+ regional competition beating off stiff competition.

Throughout the year the student engineers have been designing, building and perfecting their energy efficient single seat electric racing car with a standard motor and sets of batteries. Team SERC were awarded the prize after completing 17 laps of the Kirkistown circuit over 90 minutes, travelling further than their competitors.

Cars were judged on numerous criteria, including speed, acceleration, handling and endurance, while the teams themselves were evaluated on their design, costing and business skills. SERC also won the award for the best portfolio which was prepared by engineering student Ryan Frizzell.

SERC triumphed to the become the overall winner at the competition, organised by the Green Power Education Trust, an engineering-centered charity. Teams had the same motor and one pair of 12-volt batteries per race. During the race, at least three team members had to drive the car for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Other than the motor, batteries and a few strict regulations, students were free to design their car to their liking. SERC industrial engineer Bennett Moore said “It has been a superb competition overall – all teams seemed to really enjoy themselves. The students were encouraged to utilize their maximum creativity, despite the strict regulations in place. We were amazed at the variety of designs sitting on the grid before the race and didn’t expect to win so it was a real surprise.”

Those who participated in Formula 24+ included:

•  Chris Oakley – HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering

•  Robson McCracken – HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering

•  Jack Evans – HND Electrical and Electronic Engineering

•  Ryan Frizzel – HND Manufacturing

•  Josh Porter – HND Manufacturing

•  Chris Topping – HND Manufacturing

•  Michael Mageean – HND Manufacturing

•  Andre Santa Maria – HND Manufacturing

•  James Keys – HND Manufacturing

SERC provides a range of full and part-time courses designed to give students’ the edge’. To find out how SERC can help you ‘get the edge’ call 0345 600 7555, visit www.serc.ac.uk or find us on Facebook, search: South Eastern Regional College.