Posted on 4th Jul 2010 @ 12:28 AM

03 JUNE, 2010

Next weekend students of the Delft University of Technology will compete for the first time in the Dutch Open Championship with a sustainable racebike. During the Ducati Club Races held on the Dutch circuit of Assen the Novabike, Holland’s first bike on bio-ethanol, will race against the current petrol engines. With their participation the students want to give sustainable fuels their place in the world of bikeracing.

Design

On their own initiative the students picked up the challenge to develop an environmentally friendly and competitive racebike. The team of students called Novabike was accountable for the design, using an engine of motorcycle manufacturer KTM. The use of bio ethanol not only gives a cleaner combustion, but also a top speed of 230 kilometres per hour. Next weekend the bike can be seen in action at the circuit of Assen, during the Ducati club Races, one of the biggest motorcycle race events of Europe. Novabike is racing in the Supermono category. With competitors from all over the world, it promises to be an international spectacle.

Rider

Student Initiator for this bio ethanol transition Nick Appelman is also the rider of the bike during the season. "Racing gives you more feedback from the bike compared to a testbench. As I know the system inside out, adjustments can be made immediately. That way the bike can be perfectly tuned for the race."

Biofuel and the Delft University of Technology

Biomass like plant remains offer a huge potential as an environmentally friendly alternative for fossil fuels. In addition its also a good material for the chemical and metal industry. However, the biomass itself is not always directly suitable as a material, and is only sustainable if it doesn’t rival the foodsupply. The Delft University of technology does research to how biomass can be transferred in the best and most economical way.

Super B is one of the supporters of this project by supplying the Super B battery.