Pfeiffer Vacuum supports development of an electric race car for Formula Student competition with vacuum technology
09-05-2024
Pfeiffer Vacuum’s innovative technology plays a vital role in the successful development of an electric race car at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK). Thanks to the donation of a vacuum pump, the Blue Flash team at HAWK Göttingen was able to produce high-quality vehicle body components made of carbon fiber for the Formula Student international engineering design competition. This support enabled the team to take part in Formula Student races in Germany, Spain and the Netherlands this summer.
A strong team for the future of mobility
The HAWK students, who participate in the Formula Student competition every year, received support from Pfeiffer Vacuum through the company’s donation of a vacuum pump. The use of the oil-free HiScroll is essential for the manufacturing of the “E_HAWK24” racing car’s fiber composite components. The Blue Flash team was able to immediately integrate the vacuum pump, known for its longevity and high power, into production.
Innovative production processes thanks to the vacuum pump
The quality of the racing car’s components is essential for performance and safety. Moritz Borchert, Team Lead Operations of the Blue Flash Team, explains the benefits of the donation: "The aerodynamic shell of our E_HAWK is made entirely of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is characterized by high strength with low dead weight and is therefore ideally suited to our specific requirements. In order to reduce the weight of the components as much as possible, we produce them using vacuum infusion or vacuum pressing." In this process, the fibres of the components are pressed into their final shape. This reduces the proportion of epoxy resin in the matrix structure, which lowers the density of the component while maintaining its strength. In order to be able to produce a large number of parts in the shortest possible time, the vacuum pump had to be in continuous operation for two to three months a year. Borchert adds, "We had major problems with pumps from other manufacturers, either because they couldn't maintain the vacuum, or they overheated. We are therefore particularly pleased that we have found a solution with the Pfeiffer Vacuum HiScroll, which can maintain a high vacuum for a long time. This directly contributes to the quality of the manufactured CFRP components and avoids them having to be made again."
An investment in the future
Pfeiffer Vacuum has supported the Formula Student Team before as a gold sponsor for their E_HAWK19 project. This partnership strengthens the connection between innovative industry and academic excellence and conveys the company’s commitment to supporting future engineers. Markus Schwarz, Sales Engineer at Pfeiffer Vacuum, praises the project: "We were very impressed by the young students’ commitment and enthusiasm for this project. We are delighted that we were able to make a small contribution to the successful realization of the race car through our donation." Daniel Sälzer, Managing Director of Pfeiffer Vacuum, adds: "Support like this offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience that is invaluable for their professional futures. We strive to actively contribute to the development of innovative technologies and the training of skilled experts. Some employees at the Pfeiffer Vacuum site in Göttingen were once students at HAWK themselves, which is why this support is a matter close to our hearts."
Pfeiffer Vacuum supports Formula Student with vacuum technology.
S: Pfeiffer Vacuum
Moritz Borchert, Team Lead Operations of the Blue Flash team, summed up the races: "We achieved a great result for a team with inexperienced members, as was the case this season. The team was able to gain valuable experience and gather ideas, which will certainly have a positive impact on future races. We can look back on these challenging but successful months and begin the coming season with a lot of energy and motivation."
