UKM News Official Portal

By Abdul Ghani Nasir

BANGI, 6 July, 2010 – Three prototype fuel efficent cars created by Unievrsiti Kebangsaan Malaysia  (UKM)  students will compete in the Shell Eco-Marathon 2010, with other student teams from all over the world at the Sepang International Circuit.

This is the first time that the competition is being held in Asia.

The three entries from UKM are the products of research and innovation developed through the Faculty of Engineering and Build Environment, Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Fuel Cell Institute (Sel Fuel) and Centre for Automotive Research (CAR).

The cars were put on show at the Kolej Keris Mas last Sunday as part of the activities welcoming new students who register that day. The Vice Chancellor , Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sharifah Hapsah Shahabuddin who was on hand to welcome the new students showed great interest in the cars.

The three student groups competing are UKM-LPG, UKM-Fuel and UKM-Solar Car. They were required to not only create a car that is fuel-efficent but embodies aerodynamic characteristics as well.

UKM-LPG with its prototype MYNUCAR2 is the product of 14 students from the Mechanical Engineering and Materials Department using liquified petroleum gas as fuel.

Team leader Muhammad bin Abdul  Halim said the body of the car is made of fibreglass that is much lighter with its chassis from mild steel to protect the driver.

Using LPG have many advantages. It is fuel efficent while allowing the gas to burn more cleanly and completely making it an environmentally friendly fuel alternative.

With a simple design, MYNUCAR2 is easy to handle and light since it is powered by a motocycle engine.

UKM Fuel Cell car named Kencana is the brainchild of three Mechanical Engineering students and eight of their colleages from the Chemical Engineering Department.

This prototype car is driven by electrical energy produced by hydrogen gas flowing through the fuel cell which in turn generate electric current that drives the motor, said team leader Muhammad Hafiz bin Abd Wahab.

Alternative energy from batteries and super capacitors are also used for its horn and lights. The handling system used are based on the go kart which enabled the Kencana to be easily controlled to avoid accidents.

UKM-Solar Car costs more than the other two models since the students have to order the slim and small solar panels from a manufacturer in Germany.

Team leader, Muhammad Hadi Zabidi bin Rosdi said when the solar cells get direct sunlight, the total maximum power output  produced is 348.5W.

Emphasis is given to weight distribution since it affects many other features such as handling, acceleration, traction and the components’ life.

Fibreglass materials are used for the body and the design is modified by using a tricycle frame. Six solar panels are used for this car.