SAE introduces certification for engineers involved in vehicle electrification
SAE International announced Nov. 14 that it will implement a personnel certification program that enables engineers, product development technicians, and associated personnel to earn a certificate of competency or certification in the area of vehicle electrification (VE). Through a process that engaged a group of auto industry subject-matter experts, a VE body of knowledge was developed and segmented into three distinct levels to meet the needs of specific personnel. Exam questions were generated to align with the body of knowledge to address each of the three levels. The VE Fundamentals and Safety Certificate of Competency is designed for individuals who require training and validation of knowledge in general electrified vehicle architectures, basic electricity and electronics, and critical safety precautions and procedures. Job roles include manufacturing personnel, procurement, sales, management, and engineering undergraduate students. This credential requires completing an online training course and passing an online exam. The VE Professional Certification level, due to launch in February 2013, is designed for individuals to validate mastery of knowledge in general VE safety and all major VE systems. Job roles include engineers, technicians, and other technical personnel assigned to electrified vehicle platforms but not involved with direct design of VE systems. Passing an online exam results in certification that remains in force for three years. The VE Engineer/Scientist Certification level will launch in March 2013 and is for individuals to validate mastery of knowledge in the science and design of all major VE systems. Job roles include engineers and R&D scientists engaged in focused research or product design of VE systems such as battery packs, motors, power electronics, and systems integration. Passing an online exam also results in certification that remains in force for three years.
KLD Energy, Cenntro to develop specialized EVs for U.S., China
KLD Energy Technologies, Inc., an Austin, TX-based developer of electric propulsion and generation systems, has teamed up with Cenntro Group Ltd., a developer of diesel and liquid-propane powertrains for agricultural, transportation, and construction equipment, to jointly develop four-wheel electric vehicles (EVs) that will incorporate KLD’s EV drive system technologies. The companies plan to initially focus on the U.S., Europe, and China, with the launch of the Utility Electric Vehicle, an on- and off-highway work and maintenance vehicle; the low-speed Neighborhood Electric Vehicle; and the Intra-city Logistic Vehicle, a compact delivery vehicle. Cenntro Group owns a number of operations in China and the U.S., including Zenith Power Products, LLC and Xinchang Cenntro Machinery Co., Ltd., and is a major shareholder of Sinomachinery Group Ltd. In related news, KLD and Samsung SDI also recently entered into a cooperative relationship to jointly develop battery systems that will incorporate Samsung SDI’s lithium-ion battery cells and KLD’s EV drive technologies.
;)
KLD’s EV drive system—comprised of the battery pack, the electric motor, and the motor controller—is applicable in a range of products, including motorcycles and scooters, three- and four-wheel on- and off-highway vehicles, and equipment for wind-energy generation.
Johnson Controls to acquire bankrupt battery maker A123 Systems
A123 Systems announced on Oct. 16 that it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a plan to sell its automotive business assets to Johnson Controls in a transaction valued at $125 million. Those assets include all of its automotive technology, products, and customer contracts; its facilities in Livonia and Romulus, MI; its cathode powder manufacturing facilities in China; and A123's equity interest in Shanghai Advanced Traction Battery Systems Co. The asset purchase agreement also includes provisions enabling Johnson Controls to license back to A123 certain technology for its grid, commercial, and government businesses. In conjunction with the proposed asset purchase agreement, Johnson Controls will provide A123 with $72.5 million in to support the latter's operations until the sale is finalized.
;)
A123 Systems makes lithium-ion battery cells in a number of different formats, sizes, and capabilities.
Fuel-cell push crosses regional borders
Two recent announcements attest to continuing efforts by government and industry to make the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle viable. On Oct. 5, the U.S. Department of Energy said it would make available $1 million for efforts to "identify cost-effective and efficient materials and processes to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources and natural gas." These projects will also analyze production and delivery technologies to identify key technical challenges and priorities and continue to evaluate technical progress and hydrogen cost status. Applications for the funding can be found on the EERE Funding Opportunity Exchange website. On Oct. 9, Honda announced that it and three other Asia automakers (Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai) have signed a memorandum of understanding with public and private organizations from Nordic countries to support the introduction of fuel-cell vehicles (and supporting infrastructure) in that region (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland).
;)
Honda in September announced that it will launch an all-new fuel-cell vehicle in 2015. Its current fuel-cell offering is the FCX Clarity (shown).
BorgWarner to launch new cam phaser technology in 2015
To support rapidly increasing demand for smaller-displacement engines, BorgWarner is preparing to launch a new variable cam timing technology in global applications in 2015. Engineered specifically for downsized gasoline and diesel I4 engines, the modular design supports a variety of cam phasing technologies, including cam torque actuated (CTA) and torsional assist (TA) phasers with optional mid-position lock technology. Each phaser also features an integrated center bolt and spool valve for smaller package size and easier installation. Using the existing torsional energy in the valvetrain, CTA phasers actuate more quickly, use less engine oil, and operate under a wider range of engine speeds and temperatures than conventional VCT systems do, the company claims. TA phasers, which use torsional energy and standard engine oil pressure for actuation, offer a wide range of authority at 70° or more of crank rotation. The phasers can actuate rapidly, resulting in improved low-end engine performance in downsized, direct-injected boosted engines, according to BorgWarner. The technology is slated for launch on gasoline and diesel engines from a major global OEM, and will be supported by production at a new BorgWarner facility in Eastern Europe.
;)
For added calibration opportunities, BorgWarner's patented mid-position lock technology allows an increased range of camshaft positioning with a default stop at an intermediate position within the expanded range of travel.
Gentherm to adapt passenger-car thermoelectric generator to heavy vehicles
Gentherm has received a $1.55 million contract modification from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to apply the technology in its thermoelectric generator (TEG) for passenger cars to a similar program for heavy vehicles. The TEG technology, which converts waste heat from gas exhaust into electric energy, has the potential to improve passenger-car fuel efficiency by as much as 5%, the company claims. The grant is an add-on to the $8 million award from the DOE in August 2011 for converting thermoelectric heat to power for passenger cars and extends the technology to heavy military vehicles. With this new project, the U.S. Army Tank Automotive, Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) becomes a key partner to Gentherm, joining passenger-car partners Ford and BMW. With completion expected by early 2015, the project will scale up the fully functional passenger-car TEG (working prototypes have been delivered to BMW and Ford) and integrate it with a 15-L diesel engine to provide fuel economy improvement and ignition-off auxiliary power for combat vehicles. This add-on leverages the existing program technology for large diesel engines, providing a new solution for military heavy vehicles, Class 8 trucks, marine, and industrial power generating equipment.
Other related articles include: http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/10647 and http://www.sae.org/mags/aei/7916.
;)
Gentherm's automotive thermoelectric generator (shown), which converts unused waste heat to electricity, is now being scaled up to suit heavy vehicles.
Navistar, JAC one step closer to Chinese engine joint venture
Navistar International Corp. and Chinese truck maker Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co. Ltd. (JAC) recently received formal approval from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to move forward with their commercial-engine joint venture, first announced in September 2010 when the companies signed an agreement. The JV will provide JAC with access to Navistar’s Euro IV and Euro V compliant technology, and also sets the stage for global export opportunities of JAC’s light-, medium-, and heavy-duty commercial trucks. Navistar has established a central China office in Shanghai, as well as satellite offices in Beijing and Hefei. In Hefei, product development engineers from both companies have been collaborating on engine and vehicle design. Construction also has started on a 93,000-m2 (1 million-ft2) machining and assembly facility, R&D center, and administrative offices in Hefei to support the new venture. Products slated for the JV include Navistar’s MaxxForce 3.2-, 4.8-, and 7.2-L, and JAC’s 2.8-L 4DA1 engines. Now that the JV has received its business license, Navistar and JAC planned to formally submit their commercial truck joint venture application to the Chinese government this fall.
Ford's new global powertrain boss will be based in Europe
For the first time at Ford, the position of Director of Global Powertrain, Research and Advanced Engineering is occupied by an engineer based in Europe. Andreas Schamel recently was named to replace the recently retired Dan Kapp, who was based in Dearborn. In addition to leading Ford’s global powertrain activities, Schamel will retain his position as Joint Managing Director of Ford’s European Research Centre in Aachen, Germany—a role he shares with Pim van der Jagt. Schamel will continue to be based in Aachen. Previously Schamel was Chief Engineer Powertrain, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford of Europe. He will report to Paul Mascarenas, Ford’s Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Research and Advanced Engineering.
;)
While based in the U.S., Schamel was a key figure in the introduction of Ford's EcoBoost gasoline engine technology.
Daimler-Renault partnership adds MY2016 powertrain projects
Daimler and Renault-Nissan announced Sept. 28 one new engine and one new transmission project added to previously agreed projects, as part of a partnership the two OEMs formed in 2010. The new engine project is a jointly developed four-cylinder gasoline engine family co-led by Renault and Daimler. The direct-injection, turbocharged engine will feature state-of-the-art technology in a compact package, according to the companies. They expect to jointly manufacture the new engines, which will debut in Daimler, Renault, and Nissan vehicles in 2016. In the new transmission project, Daimler grants Nissan a license to manufacture automatic transmissions using Daimler´s latest technology for Nissan and Infiniti vehicles starting in 2016. Nissan subsidiary Jatco is planning to manufacture the gearboxes in Mexico. The new transmission will feature stop-start and by-wire control of park and gearchange functions.
Michigan engineering-services companies partner
With the goal of offering total-vehicle services, Powertrain Integration LLC and Triad Services Group have entered into a partnership. The two companies, both of Madison Heights, MI, say they will now have the combined resources to design, engineer, develop, validate, and certify complete vehicle products, while leveraging OEM componentry without requiring OEM involvement. Both PI and Triad have a long-standing relationship with General Motors. As one of GM Powertrain’s On-Highway integration partners, PI has access to GM engines, transmissions, controls systems, math data, and components released in the GM parts bin and supports their integration into vehicles. PI employs 25 engineers, and Triad currently has 72 designers, engineers, and highly skilled technicians.
;)
Powertrain Integration has a full-service engine dynamometer facility with abundant data acquisition and the ability to test multiple fuels.
- Share:
