Coimbatore’s green machine: Student team builds hydrogen-powered vehicle

Students at Kumaraguru Institutions in Coimbatore designed a hydrogen fuel cell car for the Shell Eco-Marathon, pushing boundaries in sustainable automotive technology

On a cloudy Wednesday morning, we entered the tree-lined, peaceful campus of Kumaraguru Institutions in Coimbatore. The serenity of the grounds gave way to a different kind of energy as soon as we stepped into the KCT Garage. Here, the music of machinery replaced the chirping of birds. Tyres, wheels, and dismembered vehicles filled the space, some in various stages of assembly, others seemingly on the verge of being taken apart.

The KCT Garage isn’t your typical workshop. It’s a student-driven product development research centre dedicated to automotive innovation. It’s a place where students design and fabricate a wide range of vehicles, from all-terrain vehicles and formula cars to quad bikes, dirt bikes, go-karts, and even solar karts.

On this particular Wednesday, however, all eyes in the Garage were fixated on one creation: Team ReNew’s project. It is a sleek, dolphin-shaped, black prototype vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The vehicle is being built for the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Pacific competition. Originating as a friendly endurance event 38 years ago, it has transformed into a global event for sustainable automotive technology. Every year, it attracts over 1,000 students from over 50 countries, all united by a common goal: designing, building, and driving the most energy-efficient vehicles imaginable. This year’s Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Pacific will be held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, Indonesia, from July 2 to 6.

The challenge is daunting. Team ReNew’s (comprising 10 undergraduate students) creation will be tested on the track, tasked with completing three laps of a demanding 4.3-kilometre circuit—all within a strict 30-minute timeframe. The winner will be crowned based on a single crucial factor: the least amount of energy consumed. Team ReNew’s dolphin-shaped automobile isn’t just about speed; it’s about pushing the boundaries of efficiency and paving the way for a cleaner future.

Asvitha Rajesh, the team manager, explains their design philosophy: “Our design is inspired by biomimicry, specifically dolphins. Their exceptional aerodynamics made them the perfect model. We explored various options, including cheetahs and toucan beaks, but dolphins offered the optimal solution for minimal drag. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, we confirmed our design’s low drag coefficient, similar to a dolphin’s sleek form.”

Team captain Prathish Subu chimes in: “Our vehicle prioritises both performance and safety. We utilise a lightweight, aerodynamic carbon fibre monocoque structure with strategically placed PVC foam for impact absorption. This construction achieves an incredibly low drag coefficient.” This bio-inspired design is Team ReNew’s commitment to innovation and efficiency, making their creation a strong contender at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Pacific.