FSAE Lincoln 2012

[emd44]

All-

I just saw the posting on the FSAE website about some of the specifics regarding the Lincoln competition. One concerning thing I saw was the need for a generator. In order to reduce the possibility of 60 or so generators going at the same time, I wanted to throw out the idea of renting a commercial trailer mounted generator for the competition and splitting the cost between teams. We would have to research the costs, but having a decent sized generator would be quieter and would allow welding to be performed, as most small Home Depot generators will not perform well with welders attached. Also, do any teams have a gas powered air compressor? We have a 220V compressor we have used at competitions in the past, but it will probably stall out the generator.

Also, if someone from SAE reads this, maybe they could comment on if teams that agreed to this proposal could be located near each other, to avoid an electrical jungle.

Maybe we can tap into the brakes on USF's bus....

Good luck with the 2012 season

Evan Dimmerling
Vice President
Drexel FSAE

[emd44]

All-

I just saw the posting on the FSAE website about some of the specifics regarding the Lincoln competition. One concerning thing I saw was the need for a generator. In order to reduce the possibility of 60 or so generators going at the same time, I wanted to throw out the idea of renting a commercial trailer mounted generator for the competition and splitting the cost between teams. We would have to research the costs, but having a decent sized generator would be quieter and would allow welding to be performed, as most small Home Depot generators will not perform well with welders attached. Also, do any teams have a gas powered air compressor? We have a 220V compressor we have used at competitions in the past, but it will probably stall out the generator.

Also, if someone from SAE reads this, maybe they could comment on if teams that agreed to this proposal could be located near each other, to avoid an electrical jungle.

Maybe we can tap into the brakes on USF's bus....

Good luck with the 2012 season

Evan Dimmerling
Vice President
Drexel FSAE

[SAE_intl_girl]

Evan,
SAE's initial response is No due to we have just returned from the SCCA Solo Nationals event earlier this month where they had over 1100 competitors throughout the week running generators; Noise was not an issue. We do not foresee this being an issue at Formula SAE Lincoln as it was not an issue at Formula SAE VIR where space was far more limited.

[Garlic]

Now that is thinking green eh? Lets put more points on fuel economy at an event where every light bulb, power tool, and cell phone charger is power by petrol or diesel!

[bob.paasch]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Garlic:
Now that is thinking green eh? Lets put more points on fuel economy at an event where every light bulb, power tool, and cell phone charger is power by petrol or diesel! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Still bent about the economy change? It's been three years, let it go...http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://fsae.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

As Kaley pointed out, no one complained about this at VIR, and this is standard operating procedure at all BajaSAE competitions. The advantages of Lincoln far outweigh the disadvantages...

I do see a problem in 2013. There will (hopefully) be a bunch of Formula Student Electric cars to charge.

[TMichaels]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bob.paasch:
I do see a problem in 2013. There will (hopefully) be a bunch of Formula Student Electric cars to charge. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That was also my first thought. Powering these cars by generators is of course possible and we considered it this year due to the fact that routing an extra cable from the transformer station is not cheap. But it would seem somehow two-faced to power electric cars by big petrol/diesel generators, even if the main focus of FSE is not being green.

Regards,

Tobias

[RANeff]

Nationals is quite a bit different than an FSAE event, however. I believe many teams who attended SCCA Nationals had concerns over power at FSAE Lincoln, and the need for generators. Many of whom made you aware of these concerns at the event. (I was told our concerns were passed along to you)

As far as I know, there is one powered area in the lot, so if SAE were to have two large size generators that all teams could tap into on top of the one actual power source, it might make things far, far easier for us all. That, and we all pay the 2k registration fee (some out of pocket) expecting to attend an event that is prepared well and that accommodates the needs of all the teams in attendance.

Bottom line is, if someone doesnt have a generator and cant afford one, that is a big problem. The site is CHEAP and AWESOME, so what can SAE do for everyone? The electric cars in 2013 also bring up a very good point, there is a need, and bringing small generators wont cut it for many things that FSAE requires.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SAE_intl_girl:
Evan,
SAE's initial response is No due to we have just returned from the SCCA Solo Nationals event earlier this month where they had over 1100 competitors throughout the week running generators; Noise was not an issue. We do not foresee this being an issue at Formula SAE Lincoln as it was not an issue at Formula SAE VIR where space was far more limited. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[StevenWebb]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TMichaels:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bob.paasch:
I do see a problem in 2013. There will (hopefully) be a bunch of Formula Student Electric cars to charge. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That was also my first thought. Powering these cars by generators is of course possible and we considered it this year due to the fact that routing an extra cable from the transformer station is not cheap. But it would seem somehow two-faced to power electric cars by big petrol/diesel generators, even if they main focus of FSE is not being green.

Regards,

Tobias </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That will make comparing efficiency between petrol and electric a bit easier, just measure the fuel the generator uses to recharge the electric cars.

[Marie Wilson]

I was eagerly waiting for the competition. Just keep on updating the details.

[TMichaels]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">That will make comparing efficiency between petrol and electric a bit easier, just measure the fuel the generator uses to recharge the electric cars. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I suppose this was a joke, if not:
No, it will not, since basically none of the electric energy coming from the mains comes from petrol generators. You have to consider the respective electricity mix.

Regards,

Tobias

[Mbirt]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by StevenWebb:
That will make comparing efficiency between petrol and electric a bit easier, just measure the fuel the generator uses to recharge the electric cars. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Where's the "like" button?

A diesel generator for our trailer would give us a most convenient way to dispose of all that low-hour used Rotella T and Mobil 1 the car seems to make...

[spierson]

I have a couple questions about the new venue. SAE, please do not take this as an attack, I think it's a great move and a much better facility for our competition.

Does the Lincoln site hold more teams than the California site? If so, why is the limit still at 80 teams? If I've read things clearly, part of the move was to accommodate expansion of FSAE. Would SAE be willing to increase this limit in the event of a full house?

[Adambomb]

Steve: not to steal SAE's thunder, but I think I have a good chunk of the answer: I have very little doubt that Lincoln could accommodate more teams than California; Lincoln Airpark is where the SCCA Nationals are held these days.

Outside of the venue, there are other things that drive how many teams a competition can accommodate, such as the number of volunteers, design judges, etc. Even if they do plan to expand I can easily see them waiting to build on that half of capacity until they get a year or so to work out the quirks of the venue switch.

[SAE_intl_girl]

@Steve:
There is definitely the ability to increase event size and SAE is not opposed to that; however for the first year we feel keeping the size at the 80 max is in the best interest of the competition. This will allow us to ensure volunteers receive proper training while maintaining a great event for all involved.

Also I am not if you read the Official Formula SAE News page but recently we posted an article about the Lincoln site and future competitions. Expansion of teams and use of the site is being considered. Here's the link to the article: 2013 Formula SAE Electric (http://www.sae.org/servlets/pressRoom?OBJECT_TYPE=PressReleases&PAGE=showCDSNews&EVENT=FORMULA&RELEASE_ID=1589)

[RANeff]

Whats the word on power? Comparing an event with a 150$ registration fee (SCCA Nationals)to one with a 2k$ registration fee just doesnt sit well for an explanation as to why SAE wont look into the prospect of providing power for the student teams? I dont mean to be rude at all, but as a student team, many of us cannot afford the extra costs and wish for a solution!

[Fantomas]

Thinking about the electric cars in the future it will also add an extra problem, especially for oversea teams. Just think about shipping a generator that is able of providing 15kW. Not even talking about the cost of buying it (btw: for only one event since all the other electric events provide power for charging the electric cars).

Fantomas

[emd44]

Just to drop some numbers:

Looks like a 20 kW generator, diesel, trailer mounted, runs $350 for the week from Lincoln Cat. Might not be bad split between a few teams.

[Sam. B.]

Hi every body,

I want to be a volunteers for the event and I sent an e-mail at the address that is on the sae website but I don't have any news about it. Somebody have an idea of who I can contact?

Thank you!

[SAE_intl_girl]

@ Sam B.
I would be the person to contact (Kaley Zundel). If you used the email button on the Formula SAE Lincoln volunteer page I would have received an email. To date I have not.
You can email me your interest directly kzundel@sae.org

Thanks.

[Sam. B.]

Thanks Kaley!

I just sent you a e-mail. Tell me if you received it.