Abu Dhabi University unveils team “Green Gears” and their hybrid electric car

Abu Dhabi University unveiled yesterday (Monday) its first hybrid electric car, designed by a group of students from the College of Engineering and sponsored by “Panasonic” in a bid to participate in the region’s first “2014 TAQA GCC Hybrid Electric Challenge”. Aptly named “ADU’s Green Gears” (ADU G²), the student team will compete against 11 other teams from Universities throughout the region in the 3-day challenge that will run from 29^th – 31^st of January on Al Forsan International Sports Resort Race Track, racing hybrid petro and battery powered electrical cars to record the longest distance and fastest average speed wins. 

Held on the University’s Abu Dhabi campus, students, faculty and staff witnessed the unveiling in the presence of Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, Dr. Aly Nazmy Interim Provost, Dean of the College of Engineering, Anthony Peter Director of Brand Communications Department at “Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa”, Dr. Hamdi Sheibani Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the College of Engineering and Dr. Hussien Ali Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering. 

Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Nabil Ibrahim Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University commended the student team on their hard work and efforts in implementing the intricate design of their first hybrid electric car. “We’re very proud of all of 12 brilliant students who have participated in this project and we’re looking forward to have them represent Abu Dhabi University during the first 2014 TAQA GCC Hybrid Electric Challenge and go head-to-head opposite their counterparts from different universities in the Gulf region. After months of work and tireless dedication, ADU’s Green Gears team have succeeded in finding the right equation needed to balance the function of the car between its advanced Lithium batteries and the petrol generator in the most energy efficient manner, and we’ll all be cheering them on when they hit the race track next week”, said Dr. Ibrahim. 

On his part, Interim Provost and Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Aly Nazmy said: “The Green Gears team represent a new era at Abu Dhabi University as they are the students of the first cohort of ADU’s Mechanical Engineering program. The team also includes two 3^rd year students who will hopefully participate in the competition next year with the experience they learned this time around. We’re grateful for Panasonic’s sponsorship and we hope that the Green Gears team inspires other Abu Dhabi University students to take similar initiatives such as competing in national and international competitions”. 

“One of the most important lessons the student team got to learn and implement during this entire experience was the importance of teamwork. Like the different parts of our ADU G² hybrid car, the students worked together harmoniously, each benefiting from each other’s expertise and skills and depending on and trusting one another. Our 12 participating students from the College of Engineering were divided into five teams, with each team focusing on a specific area of the car that does not function without the other teams, which enhanced the importance of communication, trust and teamwork amongst them. The project also allowed them to put their theoretical knowledge to the test by practically applying what they learned in design, fluids, heat transfer, dynamics, control, and internal combustion”, said Dr. Hamdi Sheibani Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the College of Engineering. 

ADU’s G² Team Leader and 4^th year Mechanical Engineering student at Abu Dhabi University, Abdullah Abdul Jalil said: “Hybrid Electric cars are quickly becoming an essential part of the world’s future and on the long run they will be the norm. Hopefully this challenge is a step in the right direction towards spreading awareness on the impact hybrid electric cars will have on the environment”. 

“Working with my colleagues on designing and implementing the hybrid electric car was such a refreshing experience and a new take on applying theoretical knowledge in real life. We all very grateful for Panasonic’s sponsorship of our participation in the 2014 TAQA GCC Hybrid Electric Challenge, and we look forward to representing ADU amongst all the contending teams”, said Yahya Ebrahim, a Mechanical Engineering students and the Team Media representative. 

Commenting on the challenges that faced them, Team Safety Officer and 3^rd year Mechanical Engineering student Mohammed Ahmed said: “We had to ensure that even the simplest elements of the car met all safety regulations and as an added measure so we installed side mirrors. We’re also looking into installing cameras to enable us to see the car’s interior that’s out of the driver’s line of sight”. 

Organized by Global Education Energy Environment Organization, the 2014 TAQA GCC Hybrid Electric Challenge is hosted by the Petroleum Institute, and supported by the Emirates Foundation.