Transcript Lewis-Advancing Alternative Fueled Vehicles
2012 Advisory Panel Advancing Alternative Fueled Vehicles Mr. Michael C. Lewis Center for Electromechanics The University of Texas at Austin 12/4/2012
Vehicle Technology is Changing
Electronics/Controls IT/Wireless/GPS Batteries Alternative fuels
1965 Ford Mustang GT 2012 Ford Mustang GT Tesla Model S
Advanced Vehicle Research
Electric and hybrid vehicles
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Rapid on-route charging transit buses
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Fuel cell hybrid transit buses Light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles
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Hydrogen fuel cell utility vehicles Hydrogen fuel cell terminal tractor Natural Gas Home Refueling
How we plan to develop this field?
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Vision of role CEM can play Who might our partners be Near-term steps to achieve the vision Key challenges Longer term considerations
CEM’s Role in Vehicle Research
Predictive modeling and simulation Prototype vehicle design and testing Advanced technology demonstration and assessment Outreach, Education, and Technology Transfer
Modeling/Simulation
Dynamic power systems modeling Quickly evaluate vehicle configurations and routes Customizable components and controllers Avoid build and test approach Proven ability to match vehicle performance and energy consumption within 5-10%
PRC Campus – Hybrid Mode Full Weight 5/29/2008
For Example: Long Beach Transit
FTA TIGGER award for all-electric bus fleet Implement 10 electric buses for dedicated circulator route CEM’s modeling and simulation was critical to
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Formulating the bus RFP
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Determining optimal charging scenarios Bottom line is Cost/Mile
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CEM modeling is helping LBT determine the best approach for their application
Example: Onboard Range Extender or En-route Rapid Charging?
CEM involvement on both fronts – fuel cells and rapid charging CEM vision is to quantify the pros and cons of both approaches and determine the best approach for transit agencies
CEM Strengths/Niche
Highbay and machine shop Skilled technicians and expert engineering staff Access to UT professors and students First and only permanent hydrogen fueling station in Texas Dedicated hydrogen vehicle lab
Partners
Vehicle manufacturers
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Proterra, Capacity of Texas, ZeroKar, Mahindra-Ampere Battery, fuel cell, and storage manufacturers
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Hydrogenics, Ballard, Valence Technologies, Vulcore Non-profit agencies
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Center for Transportation and the Environment, Gas Technology Institute National laboratories and government agencies
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NREL, Argonne, TXRRC, SECO, TCEQ
Vehicle Applications
Light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles Autonomous and unmanned vehicles
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Energy storage and fuel conversion Batteries, high pressure tanks, compressors, reformers
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Prime movers and vehicle architecture Fuel cells, hybrids, motors
Vehicle Challenges
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Range Vehicle efficiency Onboard energy storage
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Fueling Time to fuel/recharge Hydrogen and natural gas availability
Recent ARPA-E Award
U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E)
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Methane Opportunities for Vehicular Energy (MOVE)
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Focuses on reducing CNG vehicle barriers
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13 Awards totaling $30 million
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CEM awarded $4 million for natural gas compressor development
Natural Gas Resources
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Massive increases in the U.S. natural gas reserves over the past decade present an unprecedented opportunity for advancing the economic, national, and environmental security of the nation
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Significant technical and economic barriers exist that are limiting widespread adoption of natural gas vehicles
Reference: Funding Opportunity No. DE-FOA-0000672 CFDA Number 81.135
Natural Gas Vehicle Barriers
Fundamentally barriers arise from natural gas’ low volumetric energy density
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Less than 1/3 of gasoline Difficult to store in great quantities Difficult to compress
Ultimate Barrier is Cost
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Assuming a 5-year payback at $2.00/GGE Natural gas systems (storage, compression, etc.) must not exceed $4200
Reference: Funding Opportunity No. DE-FOA-0000672 CFDA Number 81.135
UT’s Project w/ ARPA-E
Near-term Focus
ARPA-E project success
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Natural Gas Industry and Partners Transit bus demos
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Onboard fuel cell or on-route rapid charge?
Collaboration with EV-TEC and other university groups Marketing
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ARPA-E project website and events
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Publish papers
Long-term Outlook
Develop relationships with new sponsors and partners
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COTA and F1 Further compressor development
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Hydrogen and scalability Explore fuel conversion technologies Autonomous Vehicles
Key Challenges
Project cost-share
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Several recent DOE opportunities were unrealized Private funding sources
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Recent and current projects are supported by federal or state funds
Summary
Vehicle technology is changing and opportunities for CEM are abundant These opportunities fit well with CEM’s expertise and strengths New partnerships must continue to be developed
Contact Information
Mr. Michael C. Lewis Center for Electromechanics The University of Texas at Austin 512.232.5715