Who we are
We are a group of undergraduate students organized in an effort to promote alternative fuels and energy sources. The group is open to any Carnegie Mellon student and many majors are represented in the organization.
The group is mainly composed of engineers because the technical aspect of designing an efficient and competative competitive provides hands on experience that can not be gained in the classroom. We are students who have dedication and will work on a project to ensure its completion, even though most of us are not receiving credit for our work.
Do I have to be an Engineer to get Inolved?
No! CMU Solar Splash is a rich interdisciplinary setting where we are able to develop our professional skills. Students from Tepper, MCS, CFA, and H&SS are involved in both construction of the boat and the business and marketing side of the project. We make promotional material for Solar Splash and seek support from Carnegie Mellon students and faculty, as well as corporate sponsors. We write grant proposals and business letters to secure funding for the project. And we manage the organization's accounts and budget.
Team Photo
Where we work, test and compete
Work on campus
We hold group meetings and design review in Porter/Baker Hall
Large scale work on the Hull and solar panel construction is done at the Hamburg Hall "highbay," located on the backside of Hamburg, across from the Collaborative Innovation Center and the entrance to Newall-Simon Hall.
The
Testing
We perform system testing at nearby Lake Arthur in Morain State Park.
Competition
Solar Splash 2006-2008 was held in Fayetteville Arkansas (hosted by the University of Arkansas), and will also be the site of the 2009 competition.
Things you could do
The CMU Solar Splash organization is always looking for support. We need people for all aspects of the project. Here are some examples of the kinds of things you could do within the organization of CMSS:- Business
- Perform accounting tasks and manage a meaningful budget
- Work and make connections with companies to recruit sponsors
- Marketing
- Use graphic design to create engaging media
- Write grant proposals and improve your writing skills on the technical report
- Power Management
- Design and fabricate your own solar array system
- Work on a team to design and code a "from-the-ground-up" motor controller
- Test the solar array system and develop optimizing charge controllers
- Hull
- Work hands-on to construct an 18' fiberglass boat!
- Gain experience in manufacturing with fiberglass, carbonfiber, and more
- Analyze and design composite materials
- Propulsion
- Design and test the drive train system
- Integrate the boat's lower unit and drive train
- Develop a motor mount
- And much more!
Joining Solar Splash
If you are interested in any of the above or developing green technology, consider joining CMU Solar Splash. Undergraduate and graduate students from all colleges can join.
A good way to get involved is to find an event that interests you. Please contact us with any questions about the organization.