MCI mechatronics student successful in American Solar Challenge

During his stay abroad in North Carolina, Mechatronics student Jonathan Linderich and his team successfully took part in the American Solar Challenge 2024

Extending a mechatronics master's degree with a double degree option and studying for a year at a foreign university is a challenge in itself. However, this has not stopped Jonathan Linderich from joining Appalachian State University's Solar Vehicle Team in addition to his studies and successfully participating with the team in the Formula Sun Grand Prix and the American Solar Challenge 2024.

Team Sunergy at Appalachian State University in North Carolina is a student-led research project with the aim of further developing sustainable transportation technologies. Participation in various competitions for solar-powered vehicles is a platform for both advancing research and uniting students from a wide range of disciplines in one team.

As one of a total of 16 team members, Jonathan was primarily involved in the electrical engineering of the racing car.

His tasks included the design, development and assembly of new circuit boards, as well as the programming of the central microcontroller in the vehicle. He also assisted in the development of an algorithm for speed detection and adjustments to the battery management system and motor controller parameterization.

Participation in the Electrek American Solar Challenge 2024 was the highlight of this year's racing season for the team. In the 8-day race, a total of over 2500 km were covered on the route from Nashville, Tennessee to Casper, Wyoming. The teams followed historic routes such as Route 66, Trail of Tears and the Oregon Trail.

With Team Sunergy from Appalachian State University, Jonathan was able to take second place overall, beating strong competitors such as the Solar Vehicle Team from MIT.

Not only at the partner university in North Carolina is the joy about the successful placement great, also at the MCI one is proud beyond measure of the great achievements of the students at home and abroad.