University of Idaho
Clean Snowmobile Team
The Clean Snowmobile Challenge
The SAE International Clean Snowmobile Challenge (CSC) is an engineering design competition for college and university student members that challenges engineering students to reengineer an existing snowmobile to reduce emissions and noise. Their modified snowmobiles will compete in a variety of events including emissions, noise, fuel economy/endurance, acceleration, handling, static display, cold start and design.[1]
The CSC Rules Committee makes changes to the competition each year to keep the competition fresh and to present new engineering challenges. The CSC is primarily an "engine" competition however the underlying theme has remained consistent-- to engineer a clean and quiet trail sled. Current trail sleds are engineered to these standards, but it is possible to achieve more. Noise levels can be reduced and cleaner fuels can lead to lower emissions.[1]
The intent of the competition is to develop a snowmobile that is acceptable for use in environmentally sensitive areas such as our National Parks or other pristine areas. The modified snowmobiles are expected to be quiet, and emit significantly less unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide than current production snowmobiles without significantly increasing oxides of nitrogen emissions. The modified snowmobiles are also expected to be cost-effective and comfortable for the operator to drive.[1]
While the competition is geared toward trail sleds, we add additional requirements to our sled. Since we hail from the rugged mountains of northern Idaho, we do our best to maintain the 'mountain' aspect of the sport we love. We do our best to make our sled something that will excel in emissions and noise, as well as something you'd want to go out and ride. Since we do run a shorter track designed for trail use, there are a few things we do to maintain our aspect of the sport. For example, power to weight ratio is something very important to a rider in the mountains. To keep our snowmobile as idaho-geared as possible, we use a two-stroke engine. We take pride in having not only a clean sled but a powerful one.
[1] See http://students.sae.org/cds/snowmobile/about.htm for the full article from MTU's KRC
