High School Students Build Solar-Powered Vehicle

High School Students Design Solar-Powered Vehicle KONYA (AA) - MEHMET UMAY - Students at Ermes Science and Technology High School, which has been operating in Konya's Ereğli district for 3 years, have designed a solar-powered vehicle. Designed for TEKNOFEST competition, the vehicle can generate its own energy from solar panels. Project Coordinator Arif Melih Erçek told the AA correspondent that they are working on renewable energy sources in light of the energy shortage facing the world.Erçek stated that students were actively involved in all areas of vehicle design and provided the following explanation: "We produced an environmentally and nature-friendly vehicle. Our Metal Technology students worked on the body and mechanical components. Our Electrical and Electronics students handled the vehicle's wiring. Our Renewable Energy students installed the solar panels on the vehicle. Our vehicle travels continuously as long as there is daylight. After sunset, it can travel 65 kilometres. We realized this project thanks to our students, and they themselves requested this project." he said. Project Captain Ahmet Emir Dikmen described designing an electric car powered by solar energy, saying "Air pollution is very high nowadays. We wanted to reduce it to a minimum level. We have more projects and want to put them into operation, for which we expect support from our Ministry." he stated. School Principal Ecvet Erkoç noted that they have been operating for 3 years with departments in Electrical and Electronics, Renewable Energy, Food Technology and Metal Technology. Erkoç stated that they are carrying out different projects with teachers and students in the R&D centre, and that in addition to the solar-powered vehicle, they have designed a boat model and a caravan suitable for field conditions. Erkoç added that during the Covid-19 pandemic, they also produced hand sanitizer dispensers and disinfection booths.