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Putting electrification to work For fleets, going green is a high priority-but making green is an even higher one. A move to 'more electric' engines Researchers detail a motor control design for the fuel system of a more electric aero engine, focusing on the necessary safety and reliability aspects. 2012-13 Hybrid Vehicles Guide A quick reference to the latest production HEVs and their key specifications.

Why Volt? After 48 months' development, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt has enetered series production. The pioneering "E-REV" is as important to the mobility industry as it is to GM. Creating the heart of Volt GM's battery requirements meant creating new state-of-the-art in-vehicle engery storage - and doing it in less than four years. Top GM and supplier engineers reveal how they did it. Engineering with maniacal focus A dedicated, cohesive team and a conservative engineering approach put this innovative vehicle into production at moon-shot speed. A unique electrified transaxle Hybrid or not? Definitions aside, what really matters is GM wisely leveraged its next-generation Two Mode propulsion technology to give Volt greater overall efficiency. Sweating the body details Extensive wind-tunnel work gave Volt a shape that's slicker than it looks. But engineers aren't happy with the curb weight.

Fuel cells for auxiliary power OEM and supplier researchers explore the benefits of utilizing solid-oxide fuel-cell APUs to help meet heavy-duty truck anti-idling requirements. Safer EV batteries could enter the crush zone ARPA-e targets "robust" batteries that not only bear loads but also absorb crash-impact energy to save weight.

On the verge of the Digital Age Increasingly connected electrohydraulic systems and machine controls allow the high degree of controllability that's essential for automated operations. Miserly power systems Engineers push engine, transmission technologies to turn off fuel usage. All options on the table Powertrain developers who spoke at SAE COMVEC are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to trim emissions. Cab air quality: A critical component of operator comfort Focus on defining cab air quality, measuring it, and designing the needed performance into cabin designs and HVAC systems is intensifying. Expanding fast charging faster Tritium works to accelerate installation of DC fast-charging infrastructure to keep up with growing demand for commercial EVs.

Advances for off-highway engine design As manufacturers continue to drive out cost and meet a worldwide patchwork of regulatory frameworks, the tools for developing those engines are advancing. From showcase prototypes to advanced analytical techniques, suppliers are helping the cause. Military vehicles battle for autonomy at lower cost Engineers are adding sensors, more powerful micros and faster networks as they automate tasks and pave the way to autonomy. Heavy duty lightweighting Optimization of tractor-trailer systems and component design helps to reduce overall vehicle mass, a key strategy in improving fuel economy and meeting upcoming Phase 2 GHG regulations. Navistar's SuperTruck II explores composites, WiFi to cut weight Methane state of mind New Holland ramps up its focus on alternative fuels, showcasing a methane-powered concept tractor that trims emissions, operating costs.

No shortage of challenges Supply chain struggles join perennial challenges for Cummins' off-highway business, namely meeting shifting global emissions standards and satisfying emerging technology trends. Batteries not the only route to EV efficiency Allison CTO stresses efficiency and safety of propulsion units also are critical to reducing cost, improving performance and ultimately winning over customers. Batteries go underground A Saft expert evaluates various Li-ion chemistries and strategies - battery swapping vs. fast charging - for electric mining vehicles. Platooning: an evolving pathway to full autonomy Human-guided convoys can provide real-world benefits sooner than individual driverless trucks, but safety and operational issues still need to be resolved to optimize platoon configurations. Supplier Directory Complete listing of industry suppliers categorized by technology area.

Executive Viewpoints Industry leaders offer their insights on the state of the heavy-duty on- and off-highway industries in this annual series of opinion pieces. The executives share their views on the most pressing technologies and trends shaping their business and the industry moving forward. Alternative power and connectivity top of mind Using power dense flywheel hybrid technology to cut fuel consumption of OH equipment IoT connections transform manufacturing, vehicle validation Annual Product Guide Supplier Directory Complete listing of industry suppliers categorized by technology area.

Big future for e-axles, advanced motors Top transmission engineers claim driveline electrification will transform everything from all-wheel drive to Class 8 tractor-trailers. Big data's benefits keep a-comin' Gigabytes of data are being collected and increasingly mined to improve field operations, maintenance and even vehicle design. Transformative times Despite a challenging climate, technology development progresses - as does the sharing of innovative ideas - virtually. Editorial Zeroing in on zero emissions Softing envisions secure, reliable predictive maintenance Reconstructing accidents in the ADAS age Paving the way to improved truck fuel efficiency Nikola looks to accelerate production, hydrogen infrastructure Mecalac designs unique-pivoting swing loader Q&A' Horiba's Joshua Israel discusses complex regulatory landscape's impact on commercial-vehicle development and shift to electrification.

Predicting mobility in military operational scenarios U.S. Army leads a seven-year, multinational effort to develop new off-road vehicle mobility analysis methodology. Hitting the gas on hydrogen tech OEMs and global suppliers still are betting big on hydrogen propulsion as a solution for decarbonizing the heavy-duty trucking industry. BEV truck manufacturers charge ahead Several companies announced new product offerings and prototypes of BEVs at the NTEA Work Truck Week in Indianapolis. Editorial Maintaining EV chargers yet another challenge Precision tech the 'backbone' to CNH's digital strategy Purdue prototypes new EV fast-charge cable 3DEO unveils metal 3D-printing platform for mass production Paccar launches new 18-speed automated transmissions Lightning's eChassis targets commercial EVs Quantron launches 12-m battery-electric bus; fuel-cell variant to follow Q&A Chemours' Christina Spalding shares insights on the commercial-vehicle industry's shift to R-1234yf HVAC refrigerant.

QT steels make an impact The use of quenchd and tempered steels for dumper bodies reduces weight and fuel consumption while increasing payload capacity and wear life.

Executive Viewpoints Off-highway industry executives write about some of the challenges and trends facing the industry over the next 20 years, and the innovation that will be required to stay competitive and sustainable. Annual product guide A product roundup showcasing the newest and most innovative supplier technologies in a variety of areas such as Powertrain & Energy, Electronics, Hydraulics, Materials, Testing & Simulation, Body and Chassis, and Interiors.

What's New at ConExpo/IFPE More new products and technologies that companies plan to showcase at this year's ConExpo-Con/Agg, which is co-located with the IFPE fluid-power event in Las Vegas from March 4-8, are previewed. Gearshift actuator dynamics in a dual clutch transmission The emergence of tougher environmental and fuel efficient legislations have triggered exploration and advance toward new and better vehicle transmission technologies. Software makes solid impact Programs are helping hydraulic systems do more while reducing operator workloads. Damping out booming noise NVH improvement techniques are gaining traction with the goal to improve the quality perception of off-highway equipment performance and operator comfort.

Off-highway engines advance beyond Tier 4 With Tier 4 Final/Stage IV needs met, engine OEMs direct their focus and competitive energies toward optimizing competitive solutions. At the same time, they need to keep a weather eye out for future regulations, which many expect. Autonomous vehicle challenges span many fields Many of the challenges faced by military and commercial design teams are similar. Racket busters With a quiet cab at the top of many tractor buyers' wish lists, agricultural equipment manufacturers are pursuing every opportunity possible to shed decibels.

What's New at ConExpo/IFPE A preview of some of the new products and technologies that companies plan to showcase at this year's ConExpo-Con/Agg, which is co-located with the IFPE fluid-power event in Las Vegas from March 4-8. Injection strategies for improving emissions characteristics Premixed charge compression ignition reduces NOx and soot emissions, but requires the optimization of the injection timing and pressure, fuel mass in pilot injection, and EG R rate. Systems that talk together, are efficient together Design teams take a holistic view, linking engines, transmissions, hydraulics, and aftertreatment systems to boost efficiency and performance. Managing the deluge of data The model-based development (MBD) process has been a key enabler of technical advancement in the transportation industry; however, the MBD process leads to the generation of large volumes of data artifacts and work products.

Rotary SI/CI combustion engines: A thing of the future? The internal combustion engine enjoys widespread use as an inexpensive and reliable power conversion system. While piston engines date back 150 years, various alternative engine architectures and cycles have been considered. Aftertreatment comes with challenging diagnosis Diagnosing engine and aftertreatment systems is forcing design teams to look at new ways to diagnose problems over long vehicle lifetimes. Taking on NVH reduction techniques A look at the enhanced durability benefits obtained by changing the polymer composition, manufacturing methods, and design optimization of a powertrain mount for an off-highway vehicle.

Autonomous plows ahead Agriculture, construction, mining-even marine-are advancing autonomous technology to improve the productivity and safety of vehicles on the job. Expediting engine design Simulation tools drive development of the most complex, fuel- efficient and powerful engines ever seen in off-highway applications. Industry 4.0: The smart factory arrives The plants that produce vehicles and their high-tech systems are increasingly employing intelligent systems, Big Data and advanced analytics to improve quality, safety and efficiency. The future is not so far-off Enhanced Cat 3500 engine boosts power 20%, trims fuel usage by 10% Phase 2 GHG rules driver for advanced technology, alternative fuels Eaton demonstrates waste heat recovery, variable valve actuation for HD diesels Hyliion develops add-on hybrid system for semi-trailers that reduces fuel consumption by 30% Tech-heavy Iveco Z Truck concept spawns 29 patents EPA's Grundler talks Phase 2 regs

Hydraulics still in control of off-highway needs Engineers continue to master electronic controllers and software to help systems manage engine speeds and boost efficiency, to the ultimate benefit of both OEMs and end-users. Off-highway calibration challenges-big and complex As the final set of Tier 4 regulations kick in for engines greater than 750 hp (560 kW), calibration efforts must contend with complex engine and aftertreatment systems. Engine manufacturers and service providers deal with this complexity, but does it need to be so? DEF delivery modelling for SCR systems Researchers characterize a 0-D model of a urea delivery module, oriented to model-based control and to the simulation of the system response to fault injections finalized to diagnosis validation.

Keeping cool Advanced insulation packages, solar reflective film, and other thermal-management technologies enable heavy vehicles to reduce idle climate control loads, as demonstrated by NREL's CoolCab project.

Hybrids step forward Electric and hydraulic systems trim fuel consumption and emissions, boost performance. Braking for safety Researchers developed a simplified ABS/EBS ECU test bench to research the brake force control function of the EBS system using HIL simulation technology. A metered look at dosing pumps High delivery accuracy, low weight, and dependably long life have made solenoid-operated pumps widely used in mobile applications.

Heavy-duty designs on aftertreatment The introduction of stringent EPA 2015 regulations for locomotive/marine engines and IMO 2016 Tier III marine engines precipitated the need to develop large diesel engine aftertreatment systems. Gaining control of damping Strong nonlinearities of hydraulic systems and the unpredictable operating conditions of the specific application (e.g., uneven ground, varying loads) are the main challenges to the development of satisfactory general vibration damping methods and controls. Getting real about test cycles Fuel consumption of working machines is strongly influenced by machine specification, working environment, and operator behavior, therefore a mix of several test cycles is necessary. The case for Class 8 hybrids Hybrid technology may not be the best solution for all heavy-truck applications, but a Caron Engineering expert explains how it can still benefit Class 8 vehicles.