Land Wind Racer

Zephyr Racing, in collaboration with Z4 Energy Systems and the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium, has designed a 100% wind powered vehicle to compete in the Carbon County Higher Education Celebration of Wind race May 4, 2013 in Rawlins, WY. The design specifications and approach were developed through mathematical modeling of race conditions, constraints imposed by race rules, and sail mechanics. These parameters led Zephyr Racing to implement a 3-wheel dual sail design with a single steered wheel in the front. Steering and rear braking is controlled by the driver's feet. The vehicle is composed of a 1018 CD steel frame, aluminum mast supported by guy-wires, and an aluminum floor plate. The assembled vehicle is 10.5 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 13.5 feet tall. Propulsion is accomplished using a crosswind sail and a symmetric spinnaker sail when appropriate. With this design, Zephyr Racing will have a wind racer capable of winning the Celebration of Wind race on May 4.