The Journey of the ECO TITANS

Eco Titans is a team of engineering students from VIT University, Vellore. It was formed by the mechanical students of the university who participated in the SAE Super-Mileage competition. To add another feather in their cap, they are participating in Shell Eco Marathon which is scheduled at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Malaysia from 4^th July to 7^th July. They are building a super mileage prototype using a 100cc motorbike engine.

Formed in the year 2009 the team tasted success in the inaugural year, 2010 by being judged as the 3^rd “BEST DESIGN”. It also won the “early bird design. The team was sponsored by Shell, Schwing Stetter, GVR, Autodesk, Mitsubishi, UCA Group and VIT University. They organized a workshop, “Digital Prototyping” for Autodesk in the University to reciprocate. After the 2010 competition, the juniors took to continue the legacy of the seniors.

Although the amateur titans fell from glories to dust, they successfully cleared Phase-I and Phase-II of the competition. They failed to place themselves on Race track. Financial constraint was the sole reason of failure. Despite being short of funds the team managed to build the chassis for their new design. It was a hard learnt fact that passion is not enough for success. Disheartened but not accepting failure as its fate it was re-organized. New members were recruited for the 2012 competition.

The all new, inexperienced Eco Titans currently has 13 members. Most of the team members hail from pure mechanical background but it also has students specializing in Automotive Engineering and Energy Engineering. The team has been organized into various departments such as the design, the dynamics, and the engine and likewise based on the requirements of the car. The new team didn’t have the required technical know-how of building a prototype. After 6 hours of college they used to meet every day chalking out plans and working on a new design. Their meetings would often prove to be unfruitful. Not bowing down to the situation they finally managed to create a new design for their prototype and simulate the results. Although not very motivating, the process and progress definitely was a learning experience.

The Team’s fortunes turned when it managed to get its hands on the Autodesk Inventor Professional 2012 software. Autodesk exclusively organized a three day workshop exclusively for the team in Bangalore in December, 2011. They were inspired by the fact that Autodesk had faith in them. That workshop actually kick started the building of their prototype, Hyperion, which means Lord of lightning. They successfully roped them in as their design partner. After the final semester exams in December, 2011 they stayed back to design and work.

By January, 2012 the team identified and surveyed the local auto market both in Vellore and Chennai. They realized that they will have to manufacture everything barring the engine, wheels and tires. Also it was learnt that Aluminum works and welding are not available in Vellore. Therefore, the project was shifted to Chennai. Thus they would travel 6 hours daily to realize their dreams. Getting the project funded was an issue, again. Barring Autodesk, the potential sponsors were skeptical. However, once the pipe modeling was completed in February and manufacturing started by month’s end, they finally saw some light. Bosch was the first one to lend a helping hand. Bosch is a German MNC and is a world leader in manufacturing of power tools and automotive electronics. Shortly after them was the AIA Engineering Private Limited. It was icing on the cake when Michelin was added to their list. If one says that Michelin manufactures tires, then it is an understatement. Just as an engine is to a car likewise Michelin is to the automobile sector. They design, manufacture and serve the market ranging from an F-1 car to a bicycle. Michelin is their GOLD sponsor while both BOSCH and AIA Engineering Private Limited are their SILVER sponsors.

As of 20^th May, 2012 the manufacturing of Hyperion is on full throttle. Its chassis is complete. The engine has been serviced, tuned and tested successfully.  Also some calculated technical changes have been made in steering geometry and the transmission system for further improvement in mileage. They have planned to conclude the fabrication process by end of May, 2012 and then fine tuning by the first week of June, 2012. Stay tuned for updates on test run videos and more.

You can also visit:     www.teamecotitans.co.in
Hit ‘like’: www.facebook.com/teamecotitans

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Team Eco Titans VIT

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