ITS Spektronics Team together with ITS leaders and supervisors at the launch of the Spektronics 23 and Spektronics 25 cars in the yard of the ITS Rectorate Building

ITS Campus, ITS News — The Spektronics Team of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) launched two new prototype cars, namely Spektronics 23 and Spektronics 25 in the courtyard of the ITS Rectorate Building, Friday (27/10). This launch indicates the readiness of the ITS Spektronics team to compete in two international events, namely the Malaysia Chem-E-Car Competition and the AIChE Chem-E-Car Competition which will take place on 4 – 5 November.

ITS Deputy Rector I Prof Dr Ir Adi Soeprijanto MT in his speech said that one of the most important things when competing is confidence. This belief must always be held even if the condition of the facilities is no better than the other contestants. “Apart from that, this competition can also be a good source of learning for future engineers,” he said.

One of the Spektronics team members who will compete in the Malaysian Chem-E-Car 2023, Bima Rizky Sofyan, explained that in this race in Malaysia his team will use the Spektronics 25 car. This car utilizes a power source from the hydrogen peroxide decomposition reaction with an iron (III) catalyst. chloride. “The results of this reaction will later produce pressure which is used to move the car,” he explained.

ITS Deputy Rector I Prof Dr Ir Adi Soeprijanto MT delivering his speech at the launch of the Spektronics 23 and Spektronics 25 cars in the yard of the ITS Rectorate Building

The use of hydrogen peroxide with an iron (III) chloride catalyst makes this ITS Spektronics team’s innovative car a very environmentally friendly car. One reason is that the waste resulting from the reaction that occurs is oxygen gas which is not harmful to the environment. Apart from that, the iron (III) chloride catalyst itself can be used repeatedly.

On the other hand, this car is also made from 316 stainless steel, a material often used to make reactors. This material allows the car not to experience corrosion and to last longer. Then, to maximize the capabilities of this car, Spektronics 25 uses aluminum extrusions that are resistant to corrosion as the basic material for the car’s chassis and body.

Not only is it resistant to corrosion, the choice of this material makes the Spektronics 25 car also have a stronger body. This is very useful for the ITS Spektronics team. Because in this Malaysia Chem-E-Car competition, the cars will also be challenged to be able to kick the ball towards the goal and hit the specified target. “For this, we need good momentum transfer which can be obtained from high speed and mass,” explained Bima.

(from left) Wiji Dharma Aditya and Bima Rizky Sofyan when explaining the specifications of the Spektronics 23 car which is ready to compete in the United States

Meanwhile, the Spektronics 23, which will compete in the 2023 AIChE Chem-E-Car Competition in the United States, is also equipped with technologies that are no less powerful. In general, this car uses the same power source as the Spektronics 25. However, the addition of electrical components to this car makes it have better accuracy and efficiency.

Team Leader of the ITS Spektronics team for the 2023 AIChE Chem-E-Car Competition, Bimo Bintang Aulia, explained that the electrical component used in Spektronics 23 is a solenoid valve. This solenoid valve is also paired with a magnetic sensor which will help open the fuel flow cap and reduce the amount of chemicals used in this car.

Bimo explained, at the 2023 AIChE Chem-E-Car Competition, Spektronics 23 will be tested for accuracy to reach a certain point. The team that stops closer to the target point will get a higher score. Apart from that, there are also other assessments in the form of safety inspections, posters, presentations, and also creative profile videos about the cars being competed.

(from left) Mohammad Kelvin Destrio and Lionel Pascado Hermawan explaining the specifications of the Spektronics 25 car which is ready to race in Malaysia

Regarding the team’s target, Bimo revealed that the ITS Spektronics team is targeting the highest possible achievement, the 1st place. Not only that, another target the ITS Spektronics team wants to achieve is to increase relationships with people from various parts of the world. “Because, of course, there are many great people there with whom you can discuss, share opinions and share knowledge,” he concluded. (ITS PR)

Reporter: Muhammad Fadhil Alfaruqi

Translator: NA