Powertrain

Video Interview: SCM Metal focuses on lightweight future AEI spoke with SCM Metal Products’ Tom Pelletiers at the SAE 2012 World Congress about the North Carolina-based company’s next-generation lightweight materials. Read full story

GE’s Immelt sees future for EVs: ‘We don’t invest in novelties’ Key among the 10 ideas for business and country competitiveness that General Electric’s Chairman and CEO shared to open the SAE 2012 World Congress was that the U.S. must take a leadership role in the energy sector. And Jeffrey Immelt believes that is not just a pipe dream. Read full story

Marsilli advances ‘open poles’ motor winding for hybrids According to Marsilli, a winding systems manufacturer based in Italy and an exhibitor at this year’s SAE World Congress, brushless motor design is facing a “revolution phase” as traditional needle-wound or field-coil motors have reached their maximum efficiency, being limited by the fill factor. Marsilli is advancing the open-poles motor winding concept to assist motor manufacturers in increasing motor performances and reducing material costs. Read full story

Putting electrification to work For fleets, going green is a high priority—but making green is an even higher one. Electrified work trucks must produce timely payback. Read full story

Horiba develops new analyzer for GHG, Euro VI measurement Horiba’s new MEXA-1400QL-NX laser spectroscopic analyzer, featuring the principles of quantum cascade laser (QCL) technology, provides real-time simultaneous measurement of four nitrogen components contained in motor exhaust gas (NO, NO2, NH3, N2O). The technology will be on display in April at the SAE 2012 World Congress in Detroit. Read full story

IAV takes control of a parallel HEV powertrain At the 2012 SAE World Congress, researchers from IAV will present their proposal for an input-output feedback linearization strategy to cope with a nonlinear system subject to input constraints. Read full story

3M, Chesapeake Energy team to develop cheaper, lighter CNG tanks 3M and Chesapeake Energy Corp. are collaborating to design, manufacture, and market a portfolio of compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks for use in various transportation sectors in the U.S. The companies note that currently the fuel tank on a CNG vehicle is its most expensive single component but claim that the new CNG tanks stemming from their partnership will reduce costs and increase performance. Read full story

Rollout of airless, flat-proof tire prototypes Bridgestone and Yokohama unveil non-pneumatic concept tires. Read full story