Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021!

Firstly, from all at SHU Racing, Happy New Year!

With the first month of 2021 finally over and the managers exams and assignments for semester one almost all submitted, our focus is back on the 2021 competition! We cannot wait to show you more developments and welcome back more sponsors over the coming months!! For extra updates on the team and its progress, head over to our social medias by clicking the following links;

Facebook SHU Racing Team Instagram @shuracingteam

Twitter @SHU_Racing_Team LinkedIn SHU Racing

The Electrical System

The initial goals for the electrical department this year were to implement both a Power Distribution Module (PDM) to improve the modularity and programmability of the loom design and a telemetry system for remote & local datalogging. Unfortunately, because of both financial restrictions and problems due to the pandemic, the PDM will not be implemented this year. Some of the planned modifications are an electronic throttle control via the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and electronic throttle body.

In previous years, SHU Racing has had problems with the charge circuit, with the battery being insufficiently charged whilst the car is running. The problem was due to the alternator providing less power to the battery than is being consume. To mitigate the problem, two further modifications to the loom have been made. First, the paddle-shift controller in the ECU will be implemented to improve the shifter efficiency, meaning reduced on-time for the gear shift solenoid and therefore, lower power consumption. The second is a fan speed controller that is currently being designed to reduce the load the of the fans on the electrical system.

A telemetry system will allow us to monitor various aspects of the car during testing and racing. Current monitoring will provide data on the power consumption of the components of the car, this can be used to improve the loom design and component choices in the future, as well as potentially aid in diagnosing electrical problems. Other sensors can be used to monitor car and driver performance, using metrics such as pedal positions, differential speed, g-forces, engine temperatures, etc. This may better inform future changes to the car’s design.

Meet the Team

Meet the Team is an opportunity for us to give you a chance to learn a little more about the people who make up SHU Racing. This week, we welcome our Equality and Diversity Officer, Aria Izadi. Aria is a second year on the team and is also a member of the ICE powertrain department.