The buzz of people bustling about, the clatter of stands being assembled, and suddenly, the rumble of the SOLAR-MOVE electric car crossing the small bridge leading into the garden. As it drove across the lawn, we seized the moment to capture it and share it on social media: “The SOLAR-MOVE car has just arrived at the INESC-ID stand!”. With the vehicle safely parked beside our tent, and our volunteers arriving shortly afterwards, we were officially ready to begin another edition of Noite Europeia dos Investigadores (European Researcher’s Night) in Oeiras.

Three years after our first participation in this science outreach event, there was a slight change of scenery. This time we traded the sea views of the Marina de Oeiras for the greenery and picturesque stream of the Jardins do Palácio do Marquês de Pombal. Our presence this year was particularly energising, as we showcased two of projects dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. Representing our institute were our volunteers from Sustainable Power Systems: Alexandre Bento, Diogo Guerreiro, Duarte Domingues, Luís Fernandes, Manuel Neto and Marcelo Forte.

“Know how we can make ports more sustainable!”

As has become tradition, the Shift2DC project brought the Port of Funchal to life through an electrified Lego miniature. Drawing the attention of several passersby, our volunteers used the model to showcase the direct-current (DC) solutions being implemented in Madeira to create more environmentally friendly and efficient ports, while highlighting the importance of these demonstrators in proving the effectiveness and real-world potential of this technology.

“SOLAR-MOVE: Solar-powered electric vehicles!”

Traveling all the way from the Técnico’s Alameda campus, a vehicle developed within the SOLAR-MOVE project arrived at NEI to demonstrate the potential of Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) technologies. Children, teenagers and adults alike were fascinated by the little three-wheeled car parked next to our stand and could hardly resist taking a seat behind the steering wheel. This was an opportunity to emphasise how technologies like this can contribute to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) while minimising their impact on the power grids. Can you imagine a future where VIPV vehicles are a common sight? Don’t be fooled by looks, it’s surprisingly fast!

As the clock neared 22:00, Erly, ITQB NOVA’s mascot, strutted their way to our stand and asked for a ride. As the SOLAR-MOVE car set off on a lap through the lawn, Erly sat comfortably in the back, waving goodbye to everyone as another edition of NEI slowly drew to a close.

Held every year on the last Friday of September, the European Researchers’ Night brings science to the streets with hundreds of free events across Europe. This year’s edition in Oeiras, under the “BRIDGES for Science: Engaging Researchers, Schools, and Citizens for a Sustainable Future in Europe” project, was coordinated by ITQB NOVA in partnership with the Oeiras Municipality.

 

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Photos: © INESC-ID