Norco powers Green Challenge car

Norco Group, the Aberdeen based industrial battery and UPS specialists, have teamed up with a local secondary school competing in the Greenpower Formula 24 endurance race, to assist in their project to build a battery powered, endurance race car.

Greenpower are a company promoting engineering and technology within UK schools through electric car building challenges and races. The Formula 24 challenge requires teams to build an endurance ready electric car from a 240 watt, 24 volt DC electric motor. Each team is also supplied with four 12 volt lead acid batteries (2 on the car and 2 spares). Cars are to be designed and built within the school with the help of teachers, co-opted outside engineers, parents and sponsoring companies. The school then have to compete in a number of 6 hour endurance races against regional and national schools at a number of well known race circuits. The Bankhead Academy team Bankhead Blazers have been working on their car since 12ember 2007 and have made significant progress on their car. They were the only team with a working car at the North East of Scotland practice race on the 26th 04il.

Norco Marketing Manager, Amy Davidson explained, With limited knowledge of designing and building electric drive systems, the team sought expert help from Norco engineers to help with the design and build of the motor drive circuit. We were delighted to assist in a project so suited to our industry and to support a team of local school children interested in engineering. We have supported the team by helping design the motor drive circuit, donating battery chargers, providing transportation for the car and helping design the website. Norco are known for their ties with motor sport, having supported and sponsored local racing star Ryan Sharp throughout the length of his career. Ryan is currently competing in the 2008 FIA GT Championships, and won the first round at Silverstone on the 20th 04il.

David Duthie, Principal Teacher of Design and Technology and Project Co-ordinator said, This project promotes engineering in a very practical way as pupils have to design, build and promote a product to exact technical and design specifications. The pupils are building a portfolio of knowledge and skills that will benefit them in later life. The project also expands the activities within the school out into the community at large. It is excellent to be sharing the project with specialists in particular areas, such as Norco. The pupils appreciate this contribution and it helps to raise awareness of occupations when they finish their school career.

Norco Group Limited is an independent, Aberdeen based company specialising in the rental, maintenance and management of traction batteries; and the procurement, installation and maintenance of standby batteries and UPS systems. Norco is the UK market leader in the rental of traction batteries.