Meet the MIT grad that engineers General Motors’ electric vehicles

The following article is obtained from here.

GregHubbard_1

Greg Hubbard spoke with Boston.com about the newest Chevrolet Volt and the much-anticipated Bolt EV.

Ryan Breslin / Boston.com

Greg Hubbard arrived at MIT during the mid-1990s, during the height of the alternative music scene. He noticed something funny about the alternative music his friends were listening to.

“Everyone was listening to the same music,” said Hubbard. “So I asked, ‘Why do you call it alternative music?’” It seemed pretty mainstream to him.

“What was once considered an alternative energy vehicle is now considered mainstream,” said Hubbard.

The New Volt

Hubbard visited his alma mater MIT this week and brought a 2016 Chevrolet Volt with him. Hubbard took Boston.com on a quick test drive in the Volt, highlighting some of the Volt’s major changes now that it is in its second generation.

Many of the changes made to the Volt were based on input from the first generation of drivers. These changes include a 40 percent improvement in the Volt’s electric range from 30 miles to 53 miles.

For trips that are longer than 53 miles, the Volt also has a conventional gas tank that will kick in and last for 370 miles, allowing the electric battery to recharge. Hubbard believes about 80 percent of Volt drivers’ trips will rely solely on electricity.

GregHubbard_2

GM’s Greg Hubbard explains the improvements made to the newest generation of the Chevrolet Volt. Enhancements include a 40 percent improvement in the Volt’s electric range and intuitive controls.

Ryan Breslin / Boston.com

The Volt’s exterior has also been given an upgrade that makes it look less like an alternative fuel car and more like an everyday sedan. On the inside, the center console is just the right size and its controls are intuitive and easy to use.

“The goal is not simply to reach the Volt enthusiasts, but a more mainstream audience as well,” said Hubbard.

Bolt EV

The fully electric Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the most-anticipated vehicles on GM’s roster. It was first unveiled as a concept car at the Detroit Auto Show last year. The first Bolts have not yet been built and are expected to hit the market later this year.

When they arrive, the Bolt promises to shake up the electric vehicle market. First, it promises a range of 200 miles, which is on par with the range offered by electric automaker Tesla’s Model S.

But the Bolt EV also promises a very un-Tesla like price of roughly $30,000 (after the federal tax credit). That’s well below the Model S price range of about $70,000.

With the Bolt EV, Hubbard brags that GM has “cracked the code” for delivering an electric car that offers both a longer range and an affordable price to the market.

Hubbard anticipates the Bolt EV’s 200-mile range will be a major selling point for commuters and other drivers who are worried about finding the time to recharge it.

“We’re really excited that we’ll be the first to the market with what we believe is a game-changing vehicle,” said Hubbard. “It’s significant because it means I don’t have to worry about charging. If [a commuter] charges every other day they don’t need to charge on such an urgent basis.”

This week, Hubbard is back at MIT for a specially-created class on how to design an electric vehicle. The course will include sessions on battery technology, urban mobility issues, and more.

“As an alumnus and former resident, I’m thrilled to be talking about one of my favorite subjects,” said Hubbard.

Hubbard says his time at MIT and in Cambridge was instrumental in shaping his career and developing his interest in electronic propulsion systems because he was surrounded by “the very best” students and faculty in their respective fields.

“I saw what others were doing and said I was interested in being a leader in my field as well,” he said.

Looking ahead, Hubbard realizes there are still challenges to making alternative fuel vehicles like the Volt and the Bolt EV truly mainstream. EVs and hybrids only make up about 4 percent of all car sales.

Sales of alternative fuel vehicles would have to reach 20 percent to be considered mainstream, says Hubbard.

“Looking back, it’s taken us 15 years to claim 4 percent of the market,” said Hubbard. “I hope it won’t take us another 15 to get to the next 4 percent. I’m getting too old too quickly.”

Bunga Kesidang

Saya tertarik dengan bunga ini kerana baunya sangat harum.  Ia boleh dijadikan pewangi kereta semulajadi.  Petik dua atau tiga kuntum bunga kesidang dan letak ia di dalam kereta.  Segar ….

 

Sumber penulisan di bawah saya dapati dari sini.

IMG_0547

Pokok kesidang berasal dari Pulau Jawa. Di negeri utara Malaysia, kesidang dikenali dengan nama pokok bunga kerak nasi, manakala di pantai timur Malaysia dikenali dengan nama bunga tikam seladang. Di negara Barat, pokok ini dikenali sebagai bread flower. Nama saintifik bagi pokok dalam keluargaApocynaceae ini ialah Vallaris glabra. Kesidang sering menjadi penghias halaman dan pergola taman.

Pokok kesidang berbatang keras dan berdaun seakan-akan daun sirih. Bunganya berwarna putih dan berbau wangi seakan-akan bau daun pandan. Sesekali, baunya seakan-akan bau nasi. Hal ini memungkinkan namanya sebagai bunga kerak nasi, sementelah pula warnanya putih dan jambak bunganya seperti kerak nasi. Bunga kesidang dijadikan salah satu ramuan dalam bunga rampai. Tepak sirih yang menjadi bahan dalam beberapa istiadat masyarakat Melayu turut dihiasi bunga kesidang. Gadis dan wanita Melayu menjadikan bunga kesidang sebagai hiasan sanggul.

Bunga kesidang yang putih bersih melambangkan kesucian dan kelembutan. Maka, dengan kehalusan dan kesesuaiannya dalam kehidupan orang Melayu, bunga kesidang dijadikan bunga rasmi bagi negeri Melaka yang penuh dengan adat istiadat dan resam budaya. Cantik di halaman dan wangi di taman membuatkan kesidang digemari juga oleh kupu-kupu dan burung. Kesidang mudah tumbuh melalui keratan batang dan biji.

MAJLIS PERHIMPUNAN BULANAN BERSAMA YBHG. DATUK NAIB CANSELOR (FEB 2016) / MONTHLY ENGAGEMENT WITH THE VICE-CHANCELLOR (FEB 2016))

Dengan segala hormatnya perkara di atas adalah dirujuk.

Universiti dengan hormatnya menjemput

YBhg. Tan Sri/Datuk/Datuk Seri/Puan Sri/Datin/Prof./Prof. Madya/Dr./Ir./Sr./Ar./saudara hadir ke Majlis Perhimpunan Bulanan Februari 2016 seperti butiran berikut:

Tarikh :  2 Februari 2016 (Selasa) 

Masa : 8.00 pagi 

Tempat : i. Dewan Utama, UTM Kuala Lumpur

  1. Dewan Bankuet & Dewan Senat, UTM Johor Bahru [SECARA LINTAS LANGSUNG]

Pakaian :  Korporat 

 

Program:
7.45 pagi : Ketibaan Staf
8.00 am : Ketibaan YBhg. Naib Canselor
: Lagu Negaraku
: Bacaan Doa
: Amanat Bulanan oleh YBhg. Naib Canselor
: Penyampaian Sijil & Cenderahati

: Keunggulan Terbilang
: Program Tamat

Sekian, kehadiran dan kerjasama YBhg. Tan Sri/Datuk/Datuk Seri/Puan Sri/Datin/Prof./Prof. Madya/Dr./Ir./Sr./Ar./saudara dalam perkara ini amatlah dihargai dan didahului dengan ucapan terima kasih.

 

​Nota: Jadual Perhimpunan Bulanan untuk 2016, sila klik  SINI

————————————————————————————————————————————–


All UTM staff are cordially invited to the Monthly Engagement with the Vice-Chancellor of UTM on 02 February 2015 (Tuesday).

Details of the monthly engagement are as follows:
Date: 2 February 2016 (Tuesday)
Time: 08.00 am
Venue:
i.
Dewan Utama, UTM Kuala Lumpur.
ii.
Banquet Hall & Senate Hall, UTM Johor Bahru.  [LIVE TELECAST]

Dress Code: Corporate attire.

Program:
7.45 am : Arrival of staff
8.00 am : Arrival of the Vice Chancellor of UTM
: National Anthem
: Du’a Recitation
: Monthly Speech by the Vice Chancellor of UTM
: Certificate and Souvenir Presentation
: Keunggulan Terbilang Song
: End of Program

Your presence to this monthly engagement would be much appreciated.

Program Senamrobik Siri 1/2016

Dengan segala hormatnya saya merujuk perkara diatas.

  1. Sukacita dimaklumkan bahawaProgramSenamrobik Siri 1/2016 akan diadakan sepertimana butiran berikut:-

Tarikh: 27 Januari 2016 ( RABU)

Masa: 7.45 pagi

Tempat: Padang UTM Kuala Lumpur

(Warga UTM Kuala Lumpur adalah dimestikan untuk Berpakaian Sukan Lengkap)

  1. Seluruh Warga UTM Kuala Lumpur adalah dijemput bersama-sama untuk menyertai program ini.
  2. Untuk makluman, kehadiran staf dalam program ini di kira sebagai jam kredit kursus di dalam UTMSmile.
  3. Semoga hasrat Pengurusan UTM yang ingin memastikan setiap Warga UTM sentiasa membudayakan Gaya Hidup Sihat akan terlaksana. Kerjasama seluruh Warga UTM Kuala Lumpur dalam menjayakan prorgam ini adalah amat dihargai.

Sekian, terima kasih.

 

Office of Corporate Affairs

Level 16, Menara Razak

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra

54100 Kuala Lumpur

What is Formula E

The following article is taken from here.

Introduction

Formula E is a ground-breaking FIA single-seater championship and the world’s first fully-electric racing series.

The inaugural season began in Beijing in September 2014, ending in London in June 2015, with the series competing in 10 of the world’s leading cities. The championship sees nine teams, each with two drivers, racing on temporary city-centre circuits to create a unique and exciting race series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans.

Formula E aims to represent a vision for the future of the motor industry, serving as a framework for R&D around the electric vehicle, accelerating general interest in these cars and promoting clean energy and sustainability.

Formula E also operates as an ‘open championship’, allowing teams and manufacturers the opportunity to showcase their own electrical energy innovations. Working to the technical specifications set out by the FIA, teams will focus their efforts on improving and developing powertrains and battery technology, with the aim of this filtering into the everyday electric vehicle market.

The championship centres around three core values of Energy, Environment and Entertainment and is a fusion of engineering, technology, sport, science, design, music and entertainment – all combining to drive the change towards an electric future.

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In the first season of Formula E, all 10 teams used identical single-seater cars – designed and built by Spark Racing Technology (Spark-Renault SRT_01E) together with the expertise from McLaren, Williams, Dallara, Renault and Michelin.

For season two, Formula E becomes an open championship allowing teams, and manufacturers, to develop their cars. This will begin with the development of new powertrain solutions – incorporating the e-motor, inverter and transmission – with future regulation changes allowing for battery development.

The Spark-Renault SRT_01E  – the first car to be homologated by the FIA – has been built by French company Spark Racing Technology, led by Frédéric Vasseur, together with a consortium of some of the leading companies in motorsport. Italian firm Dallara, who boast more than 40 years’ motorsport experience, have constructed the monocoque chassis. Made from carbon fibre and aluminium, the chassis is both super lightweight and incredibly strong and fully complies with the latest FIA crash tests – the same used to regulate Formula One.

Providing the electric powertrain and electronics is McLaren Electronics Systems, the world leader in high-performance technology for motorsport. Meanwhile, Williams Advanced Engineering, part of the Williams group of companies that includes the world famous Williams F1 Team, will supply the batteries producing 200kw, the equivalent of 270bhp. This will be linked to a five-speed paddle shift sequential gearbox, supplied by Hewland, with fixed ratios to help reduce costs further.

Overseeing all the systems integration will be the championship’s Technical Partner Renault, a leader of electric vehicles and an expert in motorsport thanks to its Renault Sport Technologies and Renault Sport F1 programmes. Specially designed 18″ treaded tyres will be supplied by Official Tyre Partner Michelin, capable of providing optimum performance in both wet and dry conditions.

Design

  • Aerodynamics optimised to facilitate overtaking
  • High ride height sensitivity and wide range of suspension set up possibilities to tackle the city centre streets
  • Cost effectiveness
  • Compliant to FIA safety regulations

Technology

  • Use of latest technology, pushing the boundaries for the future
  • Compromise between performance and cost effectiveness wherever possible
  • Extensive use of composite materials but limited usage of the most expensive carbon fibres

Dimensions

  • Overall length: 5000mm (max)
  • Overall width: 1800mm (max)
  • Overall height: 1250mm (max)
  • Track width: 1300mm (min)
  • Ride Height: 75mm (max)
  • Minimum weight (inc driver): 888kg (batteries 320kg)

Power

  • Maximum power: 200kw, equivalent to 270bhp
  • Race mode (power-saving): 150kw, equivalent to 202.5bhp
  • FanBoost (race-only): Temporarily increases max power from 150kw to 180kw. (Increase of 30kw / 40.5bhp)

Maximum power will be available during practice and qualifying sessions. During races, power-saving mode will apply with the FanBoost system temporarily allowing maximum power for a limited time of 5 secs per car.

The amount of energy that can be delivered to the MGU by the RESS is limited to 28kwh. This will be permanently monitored by the FIA.

Performance

  • Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h (0-62mph) in 3 secs
  • Maximum speed: 225 km/h (140mph)

Power unit

  • MGU by McLaren
  • Maximum of two MGU’s allowed
  • MGU’s must be linked only to the rear axle
  • The use of traction control is forbidden

Traction battery

  • The traction battery is a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) and supplies electric energy to the Power Circuit and thus to the traction motor. Any onboard battery electrically connected to the Power Circuit is considered to be an integral part of the vehicle’s traction battery

RESS

  • A Rechargeable Energy Storage System (RESS) is a system that is designed to propel the car via the electric motor. In order to comply they must be:
    – FIA Standard
    – The maximum weight of the Battery Cells and/or Capacitor of the RESS must not be higher than 200kgs
    – All Battery Cells must be certified to UN Transportation Standards as a minimum requirement

Chassis

  • Chassis / Survival cell – Carbon/aluminium honeycomb structure made by Dallara
  • Front and rear wing – Carbon structures and Aero styling by Dallara
  • Bodywork – Carbon – Kevlar honeycomb structures made by Dallara

Gearbox

  • Hewland paddle-shift five-speed sequential gearbox
  • Fixed gear ratios to reduce costs

Brakes

  • Standard two separate Hydraulic systems, operated by the same pedal
  • Brake material is free choice
  • Calipers; the section of each caliper piston must be circular
    The body of the callipers must be made from aluminium alloy

Wheels & tyres

  • Bespoke 18″ treaded Michelin tyres for use on both wet and dry conditions/surfaces
  • Championship specific wheel dimensions
  • O.Z. Racing Magnesium rims. Max width front – 260mm / rear 305mm. Max Diameter – front 650mm / rear 690mm

Electronics

  • McLaren Electronics ECU/GCU including data logging system
  • Power supply management unit
  • CAN data acquisition pre-equipment
  • FIA Marshalling system
  • Beacon receiver
  • Telemetry is not permitted

Suspension

  • Double steel wishbones, pushrod operated, twin dampers and torsion bars suspension (front) and spring suspension (rear)
  • Adjustable ride height, camber and toe
  • Two way (front) / Four way (rear) adjustable Koni dampers
  • Adjustable anti-roll bar (front/rear)

Steering system

  • Non assisted rack and pinion steering system (power assistance is allowed)
  • Steering wheel with dashboard, marshalling display, gear change and clutch paddles

Safety

  • FIA safety standards including: front, side, rear and steering column impact tests
  • Front and rear roll hoop, impact structures and monocoque push tests
  • Anti-intrusion survival cell protection panels
  • Wheel retainer safety cables
  • Extinguisher system (electronically operated)

Formula E knows that the noise of any racing car is very important to its fans, which is why the sound of the new Spark-Renault SRT_01E will be one of the championship’s most unique and exciting features. Contrary to popular belief, the Formula E cars are far from silent producing a modern, futuristic sound, combined with the fusion of the tyres on the track, the car’s aero package and the electric drivetrain itself.

At high speed the sound produced by one SRT_01E will be approximately 80 decibels, more than an average petrol road car which produces around 70db.

Tyres are one of the most crucial elements in modern day motorsport which is why Formula E has chosen leading French company Michelin as its Official Tyre Partner for the first three seasons.

Drawing upon its many years’ of experience, Michelin has developed a bespoke 18-inch treaded tyre that is unique to Formula E and usable in both wet and dry conditions. Michelin will supply tyres that will not only deliver exciting racing but also cope with the demands of the abrasive street circuits and all-weather conditions.

Tyre 2 - Copy
To aid with sustainability and cost-saving, the Michelin tyres will also be extremely durable and able to last throughout an entire race event. As such, each driver will be supplied with just one set of tyres. The team will also have one front and rear tyre carried over from the previous race.

Michelin is the world’s largest tyre manufacture and as well as boasting a long and impressive motorsport pedigree, it is also highly committed to sustainable mobility and improving safety on our roads.

As with all FIA championships, safety remains of paramount importance to Formula E in all aspects from the Spark-Renault SRT_01E car, right through to promoting good driving practices to fans.

The SRT_01E itself will comply with the 2014 FIA safety standards – the same used to regulate Formula One – and will feature safety measures such as carbon fibre front and rear impact structures, Diolen anti-intrusion side panels, cockpit head surround protection and wheel tethers. It will also undergo front, side, rear and steering column impact tests together with front and rear roll-hoop impact structure and monocoque push tests.

Safety

  • FIA safety standards including: front, side, rear and steering column impact tests
  • Front and rear roll hoop, impact structures and monocoque push tests
  • Anti-intrusion survival cell protection panels
  • Wheel retainer safety cables
  • Extinguisher system (electronically operated)

 

 

CALL FOR PAPERS: 2016 IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECON 2016)

CALL FOR PAPERS: PECON 2016
 
The 2016 IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECON 2016) will be held in Melaka City, Malaysia from 28-30 November 2016. The conference provide engineers and academia with the opportunity to share the latest research findings in the areas of electrical power, power electronics, electrical drives and renewable energy systems.  PECON2016 is jointly organised by the IEEE Malaysia Power Electronics (PELS) Chapter and IEEE Malaysia Power & Energy Society (PES) Chapter. The organising committee mainly comprises of members from the Power Electronics & Drives Research Group (PEDG), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. 
 
The conference is now accepting technical papers until May, 31st 2015. 
 
Technical papers are solicited on any subject pertaining to the scope of the conference that includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
 
Power Converters Control and Modelling
Control of Electrical Drives
Electrical Machine Design 
Switch-Mode Power Supplies and UPS 
Energy and Power Optimization 
Power Market and Deregulation 
Power System Dynamic, Stability and Control 
Power System Instrumentation, Measurement and Automation 
Power System Protection 
Power System Reliability and Security 
Power System Communication, SCADA/EMS 
Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles 
Motion Control and Servo Systems 
Transmission and Distribution 
Distributed Generation 
Power Quality and Electromagnetic Compatibility 
High Voltage Engineering 
Computer and AI Applications in Power Engineering 
FACTS and Custom Power Devices 
Smart Grid and Utility Applications
Energy Storage Systems
Fuel Cells and Renewable Energy Systems 
Power Electronic Applications in Power System
 
The proceedings of recent conferences of PECON2008, PECON2010,  PECON2012 and PECON2014 have been included in IEEE Xplore database, SCOPUS and ISI Web of Science.
 
Important Dates:
Submission of Full Paper: 31 May 2016
Notification of Paper Acceptance: 31 August 2016
Early Bird Registration: 15 September 2016
Registration, Full Payment & Camera Ready: 30 September 2016
Conference Date: 28-30 November 2016
 
For further information, please visit the conference website :   http://sites.ieee.org/pecon2016/
 
 
 
PECON 2016
Conference Organising Committee