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The primary function of the electrical system for the Lawrence Tech Formula SAE 2001 vehicle was to supply essential engine and vehicle functions. Important secondary functions of the electrical system were real-time data acquisition, display of some of these data to the driver, and transmission of the data to race team members at a sideline location. In addition to data channels depicting vehicle function and health, the data-acquisition (DAC) system included video that duplicated the driver's view, and two-way audio. This paper describes the DAC system and its integration into the vehicle electrical system.

As a regulated public utility, Consumers Energy constantly struggles to lower operating costs, so that customers can enjoy competitive rates for the natural gas they consume across the state of Michigan. Elimination of line heaters altogether would be one very desirable method of reducing operating cost, unfortunately, Joule Thomson cooling, and the trouble it causes is a fact of life for the natural gas transmission and distribution utilities. Considering this, the operation of line heaters must be optimized so that operating cost can be minimized. Line heaters must be sized appropriately, and controlled so that they are large enough to heat efficiently, but not oversized. Once a heater is installed, the temperature band that it operates within must be set appropriately. This work presents theory that, over time will improve the efficiency of the operation of line heaters within Consumers Energy. Two objectives of this work will be presented.

A 1996 Kawasaki ZX-6R motorcycle has been converted from a four-carburetor intake and non-load sensitive ignition to a programmable electronic fuel injection system for performance enhancement. Throttle response and power delivery are greatly affected by proper fuel and spark management. Quick throttle response and smooth power delivery are particularly important in motorcycle road-racing applications. In order to achieve this a programmable engine management system is necessary. Due to turbulent air flow phenomena the fuel requirements of an engine can oscillate throughout the engine speed range. These airflow efficiencies are dependant upon many items including intake size and shape, camshaft design, exhaust design, surface roughness of the intake and exhaust ports, etc. In order to achieve proper air/fuel ratios, relative to rider demand, the current setup is not optimal.