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[Equipped with special bearings to dominate the “World Green Challenge”]
Solar car bearings supplied by NTN
NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) supplied bearings to Kogakuin University, which participated in the solar car division of the “World Green Challenge” held in Ogatamura in Akita Prefecture with the “Practice α”, taking both “Overall Winner” and “Class Winner” on August 12, while also receiving the “Technical Award” and “Ogatamura Mayor Award.”
The “World Green Challenge” is an event where solar-powered cars and other machines compete against each other to drive the longest overall distance in a total of 24 hours over a 25-km course over a three day period. This year, a typhoon forced the cancellation of the majority of the event, with participants only competing for eight hours on the final day, however the Kogakuin University team kept up the pace from the start and stayed one lap ahead of 2nd place for an impressive win.
The special deep groove ball bearings that NTN developed for the solar car has a high precision standard to help improve turning precision. The use of ceramic balls and changes to the curvature of the rolling contact surface reduce the contact area and achieves a lower torque, while a low-viscosity grease with minimal agitation resistance has been used. These help to reduce rotational torque by 50% compared to conventional products. Non-contact rubber seals improve resistance against penetration of foreign matter in preparation for driving through desert areas.
NTN provided technical advice such as fit dimensions, and as a result these bearings offered high rotational precision and low torque specifications, contributing to being able to drive a longer distance.
Team leader associate professor Hamane sent comments of appreciation, stating “The bearings performed excellently. The machine even beat the fuel cell car that is not affected by the weather, and in addition to the overall win, our team also took home the technical award and other prizes. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Kogakuin University has already began development of a new machine to take part in next year's “World Solar Challenge.” NTN is planning to also provide bearings to the new machine, which will hopefully dominate the global race.
“Practice α” of the winning Kogakuin University team
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| SAR2-32 NTN | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| SAR2-28 NTN | 2 | 3 | 2 |