Racing Aeolus

During the summer of 2008 the first EDition of Racing AEOLUS was organised in the Netherlands by ECN and the Foundation Wind Energy Events (WEE). The participants are students who were challenged to design and build a Wind Powered Vehicle that could drive against the wind, powered by a wind turbine.

The challenge

Though sailing and landyachting are both considered never to be straight into the wind, stranger things happen on the Den Helder shores. The race lasts for 3 days. The track is a 5.3 kilometers seawall on the boundary between land and the sea, which runs from Huisduinen (a former fishermens village) to literally Hollands’ last stop before the Northsea: Lands End. Participants will have to ride their unique, custom designed, built and tested WPVs' straight against the wind on the (slope)side over the seawall.

The challenge was not only to build the fastest vehicle but also to use the most modern materials and the latest wind technology. The designs varied from a horizontal axis to vertical axis and to turbines utilizing the venturi effect. But they all drove against the wind. Because of the high quality of the technology used, this event has proven its value for the development of wind technology.

Another vital aspect of the race was the solidarity and togetherness of the team members and universities from different European countries. During the whole week teams can learn from each other, and even providing assistance to each other by improving their vehicle.

The publicity in 2008, 2009 and 2010 was enormous. Some teams even brought their own film crew for their national television. Several Dutch television stations covered the event and Dutch national television even dedicated an entire item of several minutes to the event on the national evening news at prime time.

Due to sponsoring issues in 2009 and 2010 another version of the race has taken place in Denmark at Stauning airport. In 2011 the race will be once again organized by WEE in the Netherlands, Den Helder.

Important rules

• The maximum length of the vehicle is: 4 meters
• The maximum width is: 2 meters
• The maximum height including rotor is: 3.5 meters.
• The steering wheels are allowed to extend beyond the maximum with of the vehicle but only while taking a corner.
• Maximum rotor area 4m2
• Contact between driver and the road or wheels is not possible
• The vehicle shall operate safely with wind from the side (all angles)
• Maximum mean wind speed: 12 m/s. With a 50% gust, the vehicles should be designed to operate at max wind speed 18 m/s.

Race results