Iowa State University's Solar Car Team

About the Project

PrISUm is Iowa State University's student-run club which designs, builds, and races solar-powered electric vehicles. For nearly three decades, PrISUm has competed in the American Solar Challenge, and is the only team to have completed every race since the original Sunrayce in 1990. Throughout my time with the team, I immersed myself in the technical and managerial challenges and, as the Mechanical Director, was accountable for all mechanical system and component projects. The team's 10th project, Anthelion, was the result of thousands of hours of my teammate's and my hard work. Although we didn't bring home the trophy, I had the privilege of helping tackle many fun challenges with a great team of friends.

A beautiful day to harvest the sun

Check out my Flickr gallery with some pictures of my time on the team here, and take a look at Anthelion's fact sheet.

Be sure to check out the team's website, too - it's exciting to see the advancement in technology over the years! PrISUm's website: https://www.prisum.iastate.edu/

Skills Involved

  • Requirement development, high-level system design and trade-off analysis
  • Body design and aerodynamic analysis using CFD packages
  • Structural component design, CAD, and analysis with FEA packages
  • Complex dynamic system modeling and testing
  • Vastly increased knowledge of engineering materials: steels, aluminums, plastics, composites
  • Practical application of manufacturing processes and technologies
  • IT management and software deployment
  • Managed a diverse group of student volunteers
  • Team building and leadership
  • Project planning and meeting deadlines
  • Non-profit fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and brand advocacy
  • Basically everything needed to run a startup

Learn More

Although I no longer actively work on the project, current and future teams are still working hard to push the boundaries of what is possible with solar-powered transportation. I urge you to get involved, donate to the team, or even just spread the word in order to assist these bright students as they progress this outstanding technology.

Check out the current team's progress at: https://www.prisum.iastate.edu/