SCIENTIFIC & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS
| We are particularly proud to be able to count on the knowledge and experience of large institutions that have decided to welcome the world of solar adventure with open arms and to transpose it into their respective technical and scientific areas. Their advice is just as precious as their credibility and their prestige... |
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| OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISOR |
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Explorers of the new territories of knowledge: a phrase that summarises the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne very well. The EPFL has already contributed to Bertrand Piccard's first, non-stop, round-the-world, balloon flight in 1999, to Alinghi's victory in the last America's Cup and counts among its professors NASA's first European astronaut, Claude Nicollier. This pioneering spirit also permeates the spectacular development of the institution that boasts some 250 laboratories and 10'000 people: the EPFL plays a major role in the development of new scientific domains, develops research and interfaces between the classical disciplines and, in an original manner, forms the link between theoretic research, experimental research and the transfer of technology. In 2003, through the impetus of Bertrand Piccard and Professor Stefan Catsicas, the EPFL carried out a feasibility study on a project for a solar, round-the-world flight, helped by experts in mechanics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, electrical systems, composite materials, photovoltaic systems, transfer and storage of energy and IT models. It is thanks to the positive results of this study, that Solar Impulse was officially launched. Since then, under the leadership of Professor Jan-Anders Månson, Vice-President for innovation and development, assisted by Pascal Vuilliommet and the some interested laboratories, the EPFL has offered its academic expertise as Official Scientific Counsellor for the project. Its contribution will not only enable the exposure of the complex technological challenges of this new adventure, but will also contribute to help science to progress in a number of key areas, such as ultra-light materials, flexible solar cells, economy of energy in very complex systems or the man-machine interfacing of a new generation, capable of adapting itself to each user. Through these scientific projects, the EPFL is looking for technological results that will benefit society, favouring the protection of the environment and the quality of life. In this regard, Solar Impulse constitutes an excellent instrument for motivating the new generations of scientists to become involved in research for sustainable development. "Solar Impulse represents a fantastic flying laboratory, capable of stimulating high-level research with vast perspectives for its application both to the environment and to our quality of life." Jan-Anders Månson, Vice-President for innovation and development, EPFL Press release (13.06.05) [40ko] http://solar-impulse.epfl.ch/ |
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| INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS |
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In the context of its Space Technology Transfer Programme, the ESA is supporting the Solar Impulse team, whose project demonstrates the possibility of flying an airplane without pollution The ESA's expertise will be used in several high-tech domains: batteries and solar cells, energy management systems and ultra-light construction materials. "The space programmes enable the development and qualification of new technologies, in response to the political ambitions of spatial Europe. The identification of new applications, which incorporate these technological advances, illustrates the benefits of an investment agreed by the European space community." Dr. Pierre Brisson, ESA, Space Technology Transfer Programme Press release (13.06.05) [166ko] |
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has become an Institutional Partner of Solar Impulse. IATA is an international trade body, representing some 240 airlines comprising 94% of scheduled international air traffic. The organisation represents, leads and serves the airline industry in general. IATA will promote and support Solar Impulse, and provide assistance to ensure the smooth passage of the solar plane around the world. Giovanni Bisignani, Director General and CEO of IATA said, "Solar Impulse and IATA share a vision. We are natural partners. We are both looking towards a zero carbon emission future for air travel. Solar power is one of the building blocks that will make this happen. The Solar Impulse initiative is proof that with vision anything is possible - even carbon free flight." |
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Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, has become an Institutional Partner of Solar Impulse. Empa is an interdisciplinary research institute within the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, providing sustainable solutions for issues of paramount importance for industry and society. Empa will support Solar Impulse by developing a tailor-made thermoregulative clothing system for the pilots as well as a specialized insulating seat/seat cushion combination, which can adapt to the expected temperatures extremes in the cockpit. Moreover, Empa investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of various structural elements made of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP). |
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| AERONAUTICAL PARTNERS |
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DASSAULT AVIATION, known worldwide for its civil and military aircraft, is working with Solar Impulse as aircraft manufacturing adviser on the design review of the airplane on the one hand, and as expert of the development programme on the other. On the basis of its aeronautical experience and aircraft manufacturer know-how and as designer of complex air systems, DASSAULT AVIATION will provide Solar Impulse with critical and expert advice on the definition and development of the solar airplane, particularly in the areas of energy management and electrical systems, of avionics and flight control, as well as systems security and reliability. "The contribution of Dassault Aviation to the Solar Impulse project, as Aircraft Manufacturing Adviser, is written in the company's long tradition of using its research facilities' centres of excellence to take up the great technological challenges. In the past, Dassault Aviation has known how to find fruitful synergies between its competence as architect of complex aeronautical systems and of areas as diverse as automobile competition or very high-performance navigation". Dassault Aviation Photo gallery and video of the Solar Impulse presentation to President Chirac at Dassault booth in Le Bourget :FR |
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