Algae and cellulosic biofuel supported in U.S. federal tax act
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is expressing gratitude to the U.S. Congress for including extensions and modifications of the Second Generation Biofuel Producer Credit and the Special Allowance for Second Generation Biofuel Plant Property in final passage of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The Act will incentivize investment in both cellulosic and algae biofuel production by renewing a $1.01 per gallon tax credit for producers and accelerated depreciation for newly constructed facilities during 2013, and modifying these credits to include algae. Said Brent Erickson, Executive Vice President of BIO’s Industrial and Environmental Section, in a Jan. 2 statement: “We thank Congress for extending the producer tax credit and bonus depreciation and enabling algae producers to qualify. Stability in such policies is crucial to maintaining private investment. We hope to work with Congress in the coming year to extend and maintain additional policies that support this innovation, such as a strong energy title in any upcoming Farm Bill, and the Renewable Fuel Standard.”
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Petri dishes of Solazyme's tailored algae strains.
U.S. Army tabs AVL and Achates Power for new-generation engine
The U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has awarded a $4.9 million contract to AVL Engineering and Achates Power Inc. to design and build a demonstrator engine as part of the military's Next-Generation Engine program intended for a wide range of combat and tactical vehicles. In its contract proposal, AVL said the engine would be based on Achates’ opposed-piston two-stroke technology. It will be multi-fuel-capable, per TARDEC's requirements. In developing its base engine technology, Achates has accumulated more than 3600 h of dynamometer testing, achieving 47.5% brake thermal efficiency, the company claims. The advantages demonstrated thus far are published in SAE International technical paper 2011-01-2216 and include leaner, faster, and earlier combustion and greater package efficiency, compared with current-generation diesels. AVL and Achates expect the engine's final design phase to be underway "over the next few years."
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Achates Power claims its current base engine technology achieves less than 0.1% fuel-specific oil consumption, with low heat rejection and packaging benefits compared with current-generation diesels.
U.S. DOE reinforces its commitment to advanced batteries for EVs with new technology Hub
The U.S. Department of Energy on Nov. 30 announced it will establish a major advanced-battery research center on the campus of Argonne National Laboratory outside Chicago. The Batteries and Energy Storage Hub, also called the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR). Establishment of the Hub is tied to the award of DOE funding of up to $120 million for a research team led by Argonne and consisting of additional national labs, universities, and private companies, the latter consisting of Dow Chemical Co., Applied Materials Inc., Johnson Controls Inc., and Clean Energy Trust. JCESR will integrate independent research being done by the participating entities into a coordinated effort. It is the fourth Hub established by the DOE since 2010 (the others address nuclear energy, building efficiency, and fuels derived from sunlight), and like the others it is modeled on the "strong scientific management characteristics of the Manhattan Project" and similarly renowned enterprises. Research will apply to multiple industries, not just automotive.
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Argonne scientist Ira Bloom examines a metallographic sample using an optical microscope to determine its microstructure in the laboratory's Battery Post-Test Facility. This information helps researchers learn what chemical and physical changes have occurred during the aging of battery materials.
Dana launches Chinese-specific off-highway drivetrain brand
Dana Holding Corp. has developed and launched the Spicer Rui Ma brand for a new class of transmissions and axles made in China to complement the supplier’s flagship Spicer brand. Announced at Bauma China 2012 in Shanghai, the initial Spicer Rui Ma products offered to Chinese OEMs include the Spicer TZL16 RM powershift transmission for ZL50 front-end loaders, the T08 RM transmission for 6- to 10-t (6.6- to 11-ton) forklift trucks, and the T39 RM tridem drive axle for five- and six-axle chassis concrete pump trucks and other heavy-duty vocational applications. The company plans to introduce additional Spicer Rui Ma transmissions and axles for the construction, mining, and material-handling industries in the coming months. Developed and produced at Dana’s manufacturing facility in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, Spicer Rui Ma transmissions and axles are supported by the supplier’s growing network of engineering, sales support, and aftermarket parts and service teams in China. Dana currently has nine facilities in China and plans to open a 12,000-m2 (129,000-ft2) technical center in Wuxi in early 2013 to provide advanced product and applications engineering.
Motiv ePCS to power heavy electric trucks in Chicago
San Francisco Bay Area-based startup Motiv Power Systems has been chosen to supply its scalable electric Powertrain Control System (ePCS) to the City of Chicago for 20 all-electric garbage trucks, under an exclusive five-year, $13.4 million contract. The City of Chicago operates 600 garbage trucks in total. The ePCS uses off-the-shelf batteries and motors that can be configured to power medium-duty to Class 8 heavy-duty EV trucks, weighing from 15,000 to 52,000 lb (6800 to 23,500 kg). This design approach can cut operating costs by 50% over an eight-year period, according to Motiv. The company, which was founded in 2009, has been validating its ePCS since March 2012 with an all-electric pilot bus. Funded by a grant from the California Energy Commission, the 20-passenger bus contains five battery packs (125 kW·h) providing a range of more than 120 mi (193 km) on a single charge. The Motiv EV refuse trucks planned for Chicago will use the same ePCS system as the pilot bus, but with a larger motor and 10 battery packs, and will also employ an electric motor to drive the hydraulics system. Motiv will work with partner Detroit Chassis to install the ePCS onto a standard refuse chassis; Loadmaster will provide the truck bodies. Weighing 52,000 lb (23,500 kg), the EV refuse trucks will reportedly have a range of more than 60 mi (97 km), with a total energy storage of 200 kW·h. (Go to www.sae.org/mags/sohe/11486 to read about another recent electrified refuse truck project.)
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Weighing 52,000 lb, the Motiv-powered electric refuse trucks in Chicago will have a range of more than 60 mi (97 km), with a total energy storage of 200 kW·h.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Tier 4 small diesels coming from MHI
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has announced the production schedule for its new Tier 4 small diesel engines in the output range of 19 to 74 kW (25 to 99 hp). The Tier 4 compliant D03CJ and D04CJ will begin production in 2013; the Tier 4 interim D04EG is currently available, and the Tier 4 final version will be available in 2015. These engines will be suitable for a variety of construction, agricultural, and industrial equipment, such as compressors, generators, welders, off-highway equipment, material handling, etc.
Compared to the previous Tier 3 compliant models being replaced, the D03CJ (1.655 L) and D04CJ (2.207 L) offer a smaller displacement, while output has been increased. The three-cylinder D03CJ produces up to 41 kW (55 hp) and 165 N·m (122 lb·ft) at 1800 rpm. The four-cylinder D04CJ produces a maximum of 55 kW (74 hp) and 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) at 1800 rpm. Fuel efficiency is reportedly 16% better than the previous engines.
The new Tier 4 interim, four-cylinder D04EG (3.331 L) delivers up to 74 kW (99 hp) and 375 N·m at 1600 rpm, with a power density of 0.22 kW/L. Compared with the Tier 3 engine it replaces, the D04EG offers 12% improved fuel economy. To achieve Tier 4 final compliance in the 57- to 74-kW (76- to 99-hp) range, MHI currently plans to incorporate a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.
All three new engine models are equipped with high-performance turbochargers, manufactured at the same plant that the engines are produced. Combined with a new optimized common-rail system, the engines achieve an enhanced power density that increases output up to 50% compared with the previous Tier 3 compliant engines, MHI claims.
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The D03CJ (pictured) and D04CJ both feature an optimized common-rail system with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) for Tier 4 compliance.
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