MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | PSEM | November 2018
GREEN LETTER PRESENTATION OF THE GP17.EVO On November 12, PSEM presented the results of the 2017/2018 season to their family, colleagues, friends, teachers and sponsors at the Pavilhão Central. The ceremony was opened with the the former coordinator Inês Agulheiro gave a report on the past work of the team which culminated in the September races and the international final in Rockingham, where PSEM won several awards and 7th place overall. Soon after, Diogo Ferreira, the current coordinator of the project, left a vote of confidence in the project and opened the possibility that, in the 2018/2019 season, PSEM could lead both GP17.Evo and the new GP19 in the final international, something that would bring more awards and recognition to the team, but would also be a feat taking into account the small structure of the team.
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After presenting our entire team for the current season, a coffee break provided by PSEM followed. There everyone had the opportunity to share experiences related to all areas of engineering and ideas related to a new prototype.
COORDINATOR’S REMARKS This is the first time I am writing a coordinator’s remark for PSEM and it is the beginning of a new challenge for me! This season will be a demanding one and the its biggest demand will be building the best and most advanced car the team has ever built, the GP19. Its structure is already complete, and we have already begun working on improving relations with our sponsors and finding new ones, which will be essential for the building effort. I hope that all of you that have been with us since last year keep on doing so and that I am able to smoother your expectations.
"Racing is the fun part; it's the reward of all the hard work." Kara Goucher
OUR SPONSORS TecInnov On November 8, PSEM participated TecInnov Santander in Universidades Portugal award cerimony. This award was attributed as a financial aid to our participation in the Greenpower Competitions in September and October.
BPI Award This year the 4th edition of the CA2technical awards presentation was held, in which PSEM won one of the BPI prizes, a monetary award that will be used to build the new GP19 prototype. This award-giving assembly was held on November 16th at the Salão Nobre of Instituto Superior Técnico, which was attended by several student groups from IST.
Our prototype, the GP17.EVO, was temporarily exposed in the Pavilhão Central for our colleagues, teachers and sponsors. It was here that the ceremony took place and where we were also able to see the various other projects our university has. A huge thank you with the promise of improvements in future seasons.
All members of the project are very grateful for the support and vote of confidence given to PSEM and we hope to exceed the expectations in the 2018/2019 season.
Monthly Newsletter | November 2018
NEWS OF THE MONTH A New Structure of the GP19 This season PSEM is building a new prototype: the GP19. Therefore, the mechanical design team is already working in the structure for the new vehicle. In contrast with the GP17.EVO, the GP19’s structure will be less closed in on itself, ensuring more mobility. The position of the batteries will also be changed to the front of the car and the nose will be deformable. Due to new restrictions from the Greenpower competition, the car will have a rigid protective cabin from the feet to the head ensuring the safety of the pilot. In addition to this, the rear wheels will return to the inner part of the car. Even though the construction of the GP19 is on its early stages the team is motivated and hoping that the changes will ensure the best performance possible on the new car.
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EMAF PSEM was present at the EMAF (International Machinery, Equipment and Services Trade Fair) from November 21 to 24 in Oporto. We were present at this fair that only takes place every 2 years, thanks to the invitation of CADFLOW, one of our main sponsors, which provided our team with an excellent space to carry out both the exhibition of GP17.Evo and news related to the new prototype GP19, all designed in Solid Edge. In this fair we had the opportunity to not only personally contact many companies interested in our project but also advertise all our sponsors, thanking all of them for the help we have been given over the last few years.
Monthly Newsletter | November 2018
GETTING TO KNOW THE TEAM INTERVIEW
most important abilities he developed since it’s useful not only in college but also in the professional world. Recently he has gained an interest in management and consulting which was enabled by his experience in PSEM.
José Moniz This month marks the beginning of season of 2018/2019 and with that, the presentation of team members. This month we get to know José Moniz, Mechanical Engineering student and team member in Marketing and Logistics since the summer of 2017. His motivations to enrol in the project were the need to complement his degree and his friendship and familiarity with the team members. He mentions that the deadlines of the project and the need to meet them was one of the
While he agrees that the boost in the curriculum and soft skills are enriching perks the project offers, he also thinks that the ability to approach a company or sponsor and pitch an idea are very important abilities for any future engineer.
“THE MOMENT YOU SEE THE PROTOTYPE RUNNING OR ALL THE WORK BEHIND IT, ALL IS WORTH IT.”
When questioned about the future of PSEM he extols the team and foresees a very bright future. Since he is helping the new recruits, he can assure that they are committed to the project, ensuring that the team reaches a balance between freshmen and veterans. In a final statement for future recruits, he suggests that they leave their comfort zone, as the PSEM will bring some stress, time management and some study time, but it will be very rewarding.
Monthly Newsletter | November 2018