��ֱ����

SDSU’s entry in the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge finished second out of seven teams competing in May 1-2 races in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, marking its highest finish ever, according to club adviser Douglas Prairie.

Students are tasked with building a human-powered vehicle with hydraulics somewhere in the driveline and then performing various challenges at one of three regional competitions sponsored by the National Fluid Power Association.

The bikes compete in four races — sprint, efficiency, endurance and regeneration. 

The regeneration race evaluates the vehicle’s ability to recapture energy through a regenerative coast down a hill. As the tires rotate in a regeneration mode, pressure is generated and stored in the accumulator with no pedaling allowed. This accumulator energy is then released. Teams are scored on the distance the bike traveled purely off that recaptured energy.

In addition to placing second overall, the South ��ֱ���� State University entry was first in sprint race and second in the endurance and efficiency races as well as receiving the judge’s choice award for workmanship.

“This year’s bike had a more polished and refined appearance than the other teams. Things like steel (hydraulic) lines and routing of plumbing and electrical harnesses played into this award,” Prairie said.

The team consisted of Jake Druley, Young America, Minnesota, the lone returnee from last year’s team; Jacob Hinders, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin; Gabe Nelson, Dell Rapids, and Carson Gunnerson, Peterson, Iowa. 

Prairie praised the team for having an entry that was well-tested on campus and was reliable throughout the event. “Many of the other teams had multiple problems that prevented them from competing in all the events,” Prairie said.