Sierra College Dominates at SMUD Solar Regatta
Rocklin, CA (PRWEB) May 22, 2014 -- The Sierra College Physics and Engineering Club along with the Energy Technology Program spent last Saturday May 17 competing in the Northern California SMUD Solar Regatta at the Rancho Seco Recreational Area in Herald, CA, and came back to the Rocklin Campus the big winners of the event.
Competing in separate events, the Solar Energy Program team, lead by Assistant Professor, Steve Geiger, beat out 9 other college teams to win first place in the endurance race. The Sierra Physics and Engineering Club team won several trophies, including the Regatta cup. Overall, Sierra College dominated the event. Great work teams!
The Sierra College Physics and Engineering Club built their boat entry from scratch. "The students designed and built everything from the hull, to the controls, to the electrical system. I'm very proud of these students," said Faculty Advisor and Professor, Philip Pattengale.
The Energy and Technology Center of SMUD opened this event to all middle, high school and college students from Fresno to the Oregon Boarder to either retrofit or build from scratch, a solar powered boat and then participate in a fun-filled day of competitions in speed, distance, maneuverability and more. This academic competition provided a chance for students to learn about renewable energy using solar while celebrating the aquatic history of California.
So, what do students learn by building a solar boat?
• Physics and practical electricity: wiring, motors, force, motion and fluid dynamics
• Renewable energy: researching applicability, resources and sustainability
• Solar: load management, battery sizing
• Engineering: design, materials, schematics and circuit design
• Communication: presentation to judges and media
Sierra College serves 3200 square miles of Northern CA with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four year Universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at http://www.sierracollege.edu.
Sue Michaels, Sierra College, http://www.sierracollege.edu/, (916) 660-7271, [email protected]
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