1999

EVCO

Electrathon

Rules and

Recommendations

High School

Electrathon Class

Version 2.0 - November, 1998

Last updated 1998.11.27

The Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO) and the EVCO Electrathon Organizing Committee (EEOC) wish to thank the other sponsors who are making this event possible. (Sponsors committed as of November 22, 1998.)

ZEVCO (Zero Emission Vehicles)

Donation of ZAP components for the EVCO Electrathon vehicle

REV Consultants

Construction of the EVCO Electrathon demonstration vehicle, trophies

Darryl H. McMahon, Consulting

World Wide Web site setup and maintenance, promotional materials

Ottawa Hydro

Funding and materials

Institute of Electrical Engineers

Funding and vehicle inspection

(c) Copyright 1998 - The Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO)

This document and all its content are the copyright property of the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written permission of EVCO is prohibited.

The Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa
P.O. Box 4044,
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 5B1

1. INTRODUCTION

2. RULES
2.1 CLASSES
2.2 REGISTRATION
2.3 THE VEHICLE
2.4 THE BATTERIES
2.5 THE DRIVER
2.6 PRE-RACE INSPECTION
2.7 THE RACE
2.8 PROTESTS (DISPUTES, GRIEVANCES AND APPEALS)

3. PRIZES, COSTS AND SPONSORSHIP
3.1 PRIZES
3.2 COSTS
3.3 TEAM SPONSORS

4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND UPDATES

5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND TIPS
5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS
5.2 TIPS

6. TEAM REGISTRATION AND LIABILITY WAIVER

7. TEAM MEMBER REGISTRATION AND WAIVER

8. INSPECTION CHECKLIST

1. Introduction

Electrathon is an affordable high school transportation project intended to promote "hands-on" activity, creativity, enthusiasm, team spirit, state-of-the-art technology, responsibility, budgeting, safety rules, anti-pollution consciousness, mathematics and science knowledge, in a framework where schools can compete across North America (and around the world) on an even footing.

The 1999 EVCO Electrathon will be held June 5, 1999 at the Capital City Speedway. This event is sponsored by the Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa (EVCO) and is being organized by the EVCO Electrathon Organizing Committee of EVCO (EEOC).

Electrathon and similar events have been held around the world for more than ten years, using a variety of rules and formats. The EEOC has decided to implement a set of rules that permits the construction of a vehicle which would be capable of complying with the rules for the majority of these events. In general, the EEOC rules comprise the most restrictive versions of the various rules we have reviewed in the expectation of producing the safest and fairest event possible, while keeping the rules as simple as safety and fairness permit.

EVCO accepts no liability whatsoever for any damage or injury sustained by any party as a result of the construction or use of Electrathon vehicles or taking part in the Electrathon event.

Updates will be posted on the official EVCO Electrathon website at:
http://www.igs.net/~darrylmcmahon/otthon99.htm

Information on last year's event can be found on the World Wide Web at:
http://www.igs.net/~darrylmcmahon/otthon98.htm

2. RULES

2.1 CLASSES

For the 1999 event, there will be two classes of competitors:
1) High School Electrathon Class (HSEC); and,
2) Demonstration-Open Class (DOC).

This document covers the rules for the High School Electrathon Class.

2.2 REGISTRATION

All vehicles must be registered with the EVCO Electrathon Organizing Committee (EEOC) in order to take part in the competition and to benefit from any sponsorship secured by the EEOC. A copy of the vehicle registration form is included in the appendices. The EEOC reserves the right to change the class the vehicle will participate in based on information on the registration form and additional information as required.

A registration fee applies for all entrants (vehicles). Please refer to the registration form (in the appendices) for fees and details.

The vehicle will be identified by a number, consisting of up to four digits, which will be assigned by the EEOC. The EEOC will attempt to accommodate requests for specific vehicle identification numbers, on a first-come, first-served basis. Leading zeroes need not be displayed for identification numbers of less than four digits.

All team members must be registered with the EEOC to have access to the pit and other restricted areas whenever vehicles are operating on the track. Team members that may participate as drivers must indicate this on their registration forms to be eligible to operate the vehicle during the competition.

Drivers will be identified by a combination of the vehicle number and a single letter, e.g. the first driver for vehicle 98 will be identified as 98A.

Teams must be registered in order to take part in the competition. Early registration (reduced fee) deadline is January 30, 1999. Final registration deadline is April 30, 1999.

2.3 THE VEHICLE

The vehicle must be safe for the driver, pit crew and competitors. Safety rules will be strictly enforced during pre-race inspection and during the running of the event. Non-compliance will result in disqualification. Electrathon vehicles have attained speeds in excess of 60 km/h, and the vehicles are generally light in weight and built such that the driver is not far off the ground.

The vehicle must have a minimum of three road wheels. All road wheels must be in contact with the ground in the course of normal operation, including hard cornering. Road wheels must be a minimum of 40 cm (approximately 16 inches) outside diameter, including the required inflated (pneumatic) tires. At least two of the wheels must provide a minimum separation (track) of 60 cm (approximately 24 inches) measured at the centers of the cross-section of the tire.

The vehicle must be capable of executing a 180-degree turn within a 15 metre-wide corridor (approximately 50 feet) wide, wall to wall, turning both left and right.

All wiring must be visible for inspection for the entire length of the wiring runs. All wiring must be insulated and neatly secured and terminated. Wiring must be sized to have sufficient capacity so that fuses or circuit-breakers will break the circuit before the wiring becomes hot enough to melt its insulation.

No source of power other than the specified lead-acid batteries is permittted for the operation of the vehicle. For example, human-powered assistance such as pedalling and solar panels are not permitted.

There must be an Emergency Power Off ("kill") switch on the vehicle, accessible to the driver while in the vehicle, and to the pit crew outside the vehicle which will completely isolate the batteries from the power train. This can be achieved using a single switch operable from both inside and outside the vehicle or using two independent switches. The switch operating point(s) must be identified by a surrounding red triangle (a side on the bottom, a point at the top) having sides measuring no less than 10 cm (approximately 4 inches). The letters "EPO" must appear below the triangle(s), also in red. The triangles and lettering must stand out visually from the surrounding surface.

The vehicles must include roll-over protection for the driver with sufficient bracing to ensure the integrity of the roll-over protection. The roll-over protection must be securely attached to the chassis. The vehicle must be capable of being lifted from the ground solely by the roll-over protection. There must be a minimum of 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) between the top of the roll-over protection and the top of the driver's helmet.

The vehicle must be inherently stable at rest and in operation without intervention by the driver.

The driver must be able to exit the vehicle unaided in less than 20 seconds. It must be possible to access and remove the driver from the vehicle in less than 20 seconds using a maximum of 4 other people, without assistance from the driver.

There must be brakes on at least two of the wheels. The vehicle must not roll when pushed while the brakes are applied. Regenerative braking and electro-dynamic braking ("plugging") are permitted.

A mirror or mirrors which permit the driver a clear view behind the vehicle to both sides are required.

A seat-belt or safety harness for the driver, secured at a minimum of three points is required. A standard automotive lap and shoulder seat-belt set, properly secured to the vehicle frame and correctly positioned and adjusted, will meet the minimum requirement. The seat-belt or safety harness must be capable of lifting the entire vehicle from the ground.

The vehicle must display the identification number assigned to it by the EEOC on both sides, in a clearly contrasting colour and with digits at least 20 cm (8 inches) high.

2.4 THE BATTERIES

Batteries must be of lead-acid composition. A maximum of 29 kg (approximately 64 pounds) of batteries may be carried on-board the vehicle. An exception will be made for a pair of series 22NF batteries (which will normally exceed the weight limit slightly) provided they are gel-cell or sealed types, not conventional flooded batteries.

Batteries must be secured to the vehicle and enclosed during operation, but must be easily removable for weighing during the pre-race inspection.

Batteries may not be recharged during the course of the event, including pit stops. Batteries may not be exchanged between the time the vehicle passes the pre-race inspection and the conclusion of the event without the approval of an event official.

The team must be able to produce specification sheets from the manufacturer for their batteries which state the weight, composition and electrical storage capacity of the stock version of the battery or batteries being used at the pre-race inspection and upon request from event officials at any other time.

The battery compartment may be vented, passively or actively. Batteries may be insulated.

To reduce the potential for sparks near the batteries, no switches, contactors, fuses, circuit-breakers or other power train devices may be located in the battery compartment.

2.5 THE DRIVER

The driver(s) are required to carry additional weight (ballast) so that the combined weight of the driver and ballast are a minimum of 75 kg (approximately 165 pounds). Ballast must be clearly and unmistakably identified with the driver's identifier (e.g. 98A). It is the responsibility of the driver to supply sufficient and appropriate ballast. Driver weight includes helmet and all clothing and footwear to be worn while operating the vehicle. Driver weight may include radio devices for communication with other team members and a power supply for said radio which is completely independent of the vehicle power system. Any item which is affixed to the vehicle in any manner cannot be counted as ballast.

Drivers are required to have a valid and current driver's licence (a learner's permit is acceptable).

The driver and ballast may be re-weighed at the end of the event at the discretion of event officials. Any driver who does not meet the weight requirement upon re-weighing will cause the disqualification of their team.

The driver must wear a helmet approved for motorcycle, snowmobile or auto-racing use. Bicycle, roller-blading, skate-boarding, wind-surfing and similar helmets are not acceptable.

High School Electrathon Class teams are required to have a minimum of 3 (three) eligible drivers and have at least 3 different drivers in the vehicle during the event.

2.6 PRE-RACE INSPECTION

Prior to the race, the vehicle will be inspected by race officials to determine if it is eligible to compete (see vehicle rules - section 2.3). Inspections will be carried out according to the inspection checklist. A copy of this checklist is included in the appendices. Please note that the inspection checklist may change prior to the pre-race inspection at the sole discretion of event officials. Changes to the inspection checklist will be posted on the Official Web Site (http://www.igs.net/~darrylmcmahon/otthon99.htm).

Pre-race inspection will begin at least three hours prior to the scheduled start of the first heat. It is the responsibility of the vehicle team to ensure they allow enough time to have their vehicle inspected and to perform any required repairs or modifications to qualify and pass inspection prior to race time.

Non-compliant vehicles may be permitted to take part in the event at the sole discretion of the event officials, if the vehicle does not present a safety hazard. Non-compliant vehicles will not be eligible for prizes or placings.

Batteries will be removed from the vehicle and weighed to ensure they meet the rules (see battery rules - Section 2.4).

Drivers, with appropriately identified ballast, will be weighed to ensure they meet the minimum weight requirement. Drivers are responsible for supplying sufficient ballast. Once weighed and accepted, ballast will be "sealed" and initialled by event officials. Breaking of the seals prior to the end of the competition may result in disqualification of the driver or the team.

All drivers and batteries will be weighed using the same scale, which will be provided by event officials.

2.7 THE RACE

The race is a one-hour timed event. The objective is to travel the maximum possible distance in that hour using only the power stored in the on-board batteries.

Vehicles may be separated into heats for competition if the number of vehicles warrants. Vehicles will not be required to run in more than one heat (e.g. no elimination heats). Placing will be based solely on the number of laps completed (distance travelled) in the specified hour regardless of the heat or class in which the vehicle is running.

Vehicles from more than one class may take part in the same heat at the discretion of event officials.

Positions on the starting grid will be assigned randomly by drawing of numbers. Pole (first) position will be the inside position of the first line. Second position will be beside the first position. Subsequent positions will continue across (inside to outside) and then by consecutive lines from the front of the grid.

Vehicles are expected to keep to the inside (shortest route) except to pass or exit to the pits. Passing must be done on the outside of the vehicle being overtaken. Blocking of an overtaking vehicle when the inside lane is safely available will be penalized. Overtaking on the inside when the outside is safely available will be penalized. Exiting to the pits must be carried out in a safe manner using the pit exit lane commencing no later than the start line.

Unsportsmanlike behaviour, including but not limited to confrontations, arguments and the use of foul language, will not be tolerated, and will result in penalties up to and including disqualification of the team.

Prior to the first heat there will be a drivers' meeting for all registered drivers for all vehicles and event officials. Drivers not attending this meeting will be disqualified. At the drivers' meeting the rules of the race will be explained, questions answered and the drawing of numbers for position in the starting grid will take place.

The status of each heat will be communicated by use of race flags. The flags have the following meanings:
GREEN flag = Heat is underway and proceeding normally
YELLOW flag = Caution. Do NOT Pass any other vehicle
RED flag = Danger. All vehicles must stop at the Start/Finish line
BLACK flag = Flagged vehicle must stop in the pits
WHITE flag = Last minute of heat
CHECKERED flag = Heat is over. Stop as quickly as safely possible, and remain at that location until instructed to leave the track by an event official.

Placing will be based upon the number of complete and partial laps as of the end of the hour. Two vehicles with the same number of completed laps will be placed based on their relative positions on the track at the time the heat ends.

2.8 PROTESTS (DISPUTES, GRIEVANCES AND APPEALS)

Protests must be presented to the race steward within ten minutes of the completion of the heat. To be considered by the EEOC, each protest must be presented using the designated form and be accompanied by a $50 (Canadian) deposit. The deposit will be refunded if the appeal is upheld. The deposit is forfeited if the appeal is denied. Half the deposit will be refunded if the appeal is withdrawn before a decision is announced.

Protests may pertain to violations of design or event rules by a competitor, where this violation produced an advantage to the alleged violator.

The EEOC may use any and all evidence it deems relevant to assist it in reaching a decision on an appeal. Decisions of the EEOC are final; there is no further appeal process.

3. PRIZES, COSTS AND SPONSORSHIP

3.1 PRIZES

Prizes will be awarded to the teams placing first, second and third in the DOC. Additional prizes may also be established, and if so, will be announced to the teams prior to the competition.

Prizes will consist of a trophy or a certificate provided by EVCO. Cash and merchandise prizes may also be available depending on the nature, number and generosity of sponsors. Any such additional prizes will be announced prior to the event.

3.2 COSTS

Teams are responsible for covering all their own costs related to their vehicle, including but not limited to: design, construction, components and parts acquisition, testing, and transport of their vehicles. EVCO may provide some form of subsidy to registered teams, but does not commit to doing so. Any such subsidy will be dependent on the generosity of additional sponsors (e.g. provision of specified parts at a discount).

3.3 TEAM SPONSORS

Teams are encouraged to find sponsors to help them cover the costs of constructing their vehicles and travel to and from the Electrathon event.

Some local businesses may prefer to donate materials (e.g. for the body shell and frame, battery compartment(s), bicycle parts, wiring, tie-wraps, paint) or services (welding, painting, machining of custom parts) or provide these materials or services at a discount rather than contribute cash. Be creative in looking for sponsors, and don't be shy. For example, the local gas station may not be the most obvious sponsor for an electric vehicle, but they might donate a couple of fill-ups to help with transportation costs to the actual event. Stations selling ethanol-blend fuels may be sympathetic to clean-air vehicles. Make sure you have your act together before you go knocking on doors. Have handouts ready stating the purpose of your project, what you hope to achieve and why you are doing this. Know what you want to say and say it - don't make a potential sponsor feel like you are wasting her or his time. Be prepared to answer questions. Have a suggestion ready as to what the sponsor could contribute to your project, preferably something that is a logical connection to their business, but don't push.

Before you start soliciting sponsors, determine if your school or school board can issue tax receipts for donations of cash, materials or services. This will make sponsorship more attractive to individuals if you are trying to get personal donations to support your project. Most businesses can claim the donated money, parts or services as a publicity expense, provided you give them space on the vehicle. In these cases, you should provide a photo of the vehicle showing the sponsor's advertising on the vehicle as proof of promotional effort associated with their donation.

Provide a letter to all sponsors thanking them for their donation as soon as possible after receipt of their donation. Send all sponsors an additional letter after the event telling them how your team fared, and how the students felt about the experience. A photo of the vehicle and team should be included with this letter. Both letters should be individualized, including the sponsors full name and address, the donation they made to the project, and if possible, how that contributed to the project's success. (If your vehicle moved under its own power on the track, and the team learned from the experience, your project was a success.)

Keep records of all potential sponsors your team has approached, the response, and any donation received.

4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND UPDATES

As more information regarding this event becomes available, it will be posted on the 1999 EVCO Electrathon Web site and transmitted to the registered teams.

Questions regarding the rules or the event may be submitted:
by e-mail to darrylmcmahon@igs.net;
by facsimile to (613) 828-3199; or
by telephone to Darryl McMahon at (613) 828-0805.

The URL address for the official World Wide Web site of the 1999 EVCO Electrathon is:
[dead link: http://www.igs.net/~darrylmcmahon/otthon99.htm]

Registered competitors may choose to receive their updates by any one of the following means:
* electronic (Internet) mail;
* facsimile transmission (fax); or,
* regular mail (Canada Post).

Registered competitors may indicate their preference for receiving updates:
* on the registration form, or
* by e-mail to darrylmcmahon@igs.net, or
* by facsimile transmission to (613)828-3199, or
* in writing to EVCO EEOC, P.O.Box 4044, Station "E", Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B1.

There are several other sources of information related to the construction and racing of Electrathon-type vehicles that you may wish to consult. These include:
1. The VEVA Design and Event Rules, available from:
Glenn Houston,
720-999 West Broadway,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 1K5
(604) 732-3904

2. The Electrathon America Formula Electrathon Design and Event Rules Reference Guide, available from:
Electrathon America
1251 W. Sepulvida Blvd., Suite 142
Torrance, CA, 90502, U.S.A.

These documents are sold for a fee. Please contact the providers for current prices.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND TIPS

5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations are not rules. Vehicles will not be disqualified for not observing recommendations. Recommendations are advice from the EEOC to the participants.
1. Wear proper protective clothing and equipment while constructing the vehicle and handling the various parts and components. Safety First.
2. Do research. Knowledge will help you to improve the performance of your vehicle.
3. "Sealed" batteries are recommended over flooded batteries. "Sealed" lead-acid batteries (including gelled electrolyte, valve-regulated, etc) have reduced potential for gassing, misting and external presentation of dilute acid. While the dilute sulphuric acid present in flooded lead-acid batteries presents a minimal hazard to people wearing proper eye protection, it will readily damage many types of clothing.
4. A second set of batteries (possibly used automotive batteries) may be useful for testing purposes during vehicle design and construction, and for demonstration and preparation activities prior to the race on event day.
5. The ZAP drive train components available from ZEVCO provide a simple and reliable drive system, controls and charger in one package at a reasonable cost. Teams are not required to use these components, they are provided by ZEVCO at their cost price as a convenience to teams that wish to use them. ZEVCO can be reached at (613) 824-1702.
6. The driver should wear close-fitting clothing which covers the entire body. Ballast should be in the form of sealable bags of sand or lead shot or similar non-liquid material which can be adjusted to within a few grams (or ounces) at weigh-in time. The official weigh-in scale may not agree completely the one you used.
7. Additional instruction on the proper use of the EPO switch(es) should be applied to the vehicle adjacent to the identifying red triangles.
8. Test your vehicle under some challenging conditions prior to race day to ensure it is capable of surviving the stresses encountered in racing, especially turning.
9. Make your vehicle small enough to fit in a standard van or pickup truck to make transportation easier.
10. Consider attending an unclaimed bicycle auction, such as those held by police departments, as a source of low-cost parts.
11. The use of instrumentation including an ammeter, a voltmeter, a watt-hour meter (if available), a speedometer and odometer are useful in establishing relative performance during test runs while trying to refine different aspects of your vehicle, as well as helping you to pace your vehicle during the Electrathon event.
12. Cover moving parts of the drive-train (e.g. chains, sprockets, belts, pulleys) to prevent accidental contact with moving parts during operation.

Recommendations for Teachers

1. Put together an organized and a convincing presentation that is sure to bring the students and administration on board.
2. Seek sponsorships as soon as possible for at least $ 1,500.00. (You need money for materials and to attend the Electrathon competition.)
3. Order all the supplies and components as soon as possible.
4. Restructure the appropriate curricula for the school year 1998/99 to ensure adequate time is available for quality instruction and valuable student activities.
5. Create basic bar graph flow time charts for: class discussion, fund raising, research and development.
Remember! Keep weight and the cost of the vehicle low and the structural strength high! Simplicity = reliability!
6. It takes time to design various models, construct the Electrathon vehicle(s), road test, make modifications and make presentations to: your sponsors, school, and local community.
7. Produce a comprehensive list of the functions and each student's responsibilities at the EVCO Electrathon competition day, June 5, 1999.

5.2 TIPS

The energy storage capacity of lead-acid batteries tends to vary with temperature and the number of charge/discharge cycles the battery has delivered. Consult the specifications for your specific batteries to determine how best to prepare it for optimum performance.

Appropriately sized and rated circuit-breakers that can be operated manually may be used as EPO switches.

6. TEAM REGISTRATION AND LIABILITY WAIVER

Early Registration Date: January 30, 1999 - Registration Fee: CDN$30.00

Final Registration Date: April 30, 1999 - Registration Fee: CDN$40.00

The correct registration fee must be enclosed with this form in order for it to be considered. Cheques or money orders should be made payable to Electrathon 99. Do not send cash through the mail. One team registration is required per vehicle.

In addition to this form, a separate Team Member's Registration and Liability Waiver Form must also be provided for each team member. A maximum of 12 students and 2 teachers may be registered for a team in the High School Electrathon Class.

Name of School/Team: ________________________________________

Street Address: ________________________________________
________________________________________

Telephone (voice): _________________________

FAX number: _________________________

Internet E-mail address: _____________________________________

Preferred method of communication: __ e-mail __ FAX __ regular post

We understand and accept the rules for the 1999 EVCO Electrathon. We understand and accept that none of EVCO, other Electrathon sponsors, or their agents, officials, delegates or volunteers are liable for any injury, damage or loss resulting from our participation in the EVCO Electrathon, including but not limited to, the construction, use and transport of the Electrathon vehicle and participation in the actual event.

Signature ____________________________
Name and position (please print) _________________________________________

at (location)________________________,
this (date)_________________________________________

If your team is requesting a specific identification number for your vehicle, please indicate that number here. ___________

7. TEAM MEMBER REGISTRATION AND WAIVER

1999 EVCO Electrathon

You are required to provide a completed copy of this form to the EEOC as soon as possible after joining a registered Electrathon team. You are required to bring a copy of this completed form to the Electrathon event.

No registration fee is required for individual team members.

Name of Team Member: _______________________________________________

School / Team Name: _______________________________________________

I am participating in this event of my own free will, and I will be held personally responsible for my actions. I will conduct myself in a sportsmanlike manner and be responsible for such behaviour by my team-mates, friends and family.

I understand the rules of this event as set out by the EVCO Electrathon Organizing Committee and agree to abide by the rules, conditions and decisions of the event officials.

I accept the conditions under which this event is held, and accept all risks inherent in this event including those unforeseen or unanticipated by myself.

I agree to hold harmless the event organizers, event sponsors, officials and volunteers from liability of any kind. I agree to settle any and all disputes through established event rules.

I understand this is a non-professional event and that changes, delays and errors may occur.

Signature of Team Member: ___________________________ Date: ____________

Guardian's Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________
(if participant is less than 19 years old)

Guardian's Printed Name:_______________________________________________
(if participant is less than 19 years old)

8. INSPECTION CHECKLIST

N.B. This Inspection Checklist is subject to change at the discretion of the EEOC at any time prior to the start of the pre-race inspection.

Inspectors' Signatures: _________________________________________________

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