APRIL 20, 2006Hydrogen Storage
Breakthrough Announced
ARLINGTON, VA (April 9, 2006) - The National Science Foundation (NSF) reported that chemists at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Michigan have taken another step toward producing vehicles that can run on hydrogen by developing a new "crystal sponge" material that stores nearly three times more hydrogen than any other known substance. The NSF, the U.S. Department of Energy and chemical company BASF funded this research.
This neutron-scattering image reveals where hydrogen molecules (red-green circles) connected to a metal organic framework (MOF), a type of custom-made compound eyed for hydrogen storage applications.
(Photo: NSF/Taner Yildirim)The crystal sponge material has the storage capacity required to make hydrogen fuel practical and is a development that could lead to transportable hydrogen power sources for cars, laptop computers, cellular phones, digital cameras and other electronic devices. The microscopic structure of crystal sponge resembles a scaffold made of linked rods with a multitude of nanoscale pores. The result is an enormous internal surface area where hydrogen molecules can be attached. Lead researcher Omar Yaghi of UCLA said the material is just one in a large class more than 500 compounds he invented, beginning in the early 1990s, known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs have a crystal structure that resembles a scaffold made of linked rods; this structure gives them a multitude of nanoscale pores and a correspondingly huge internal surface area where gas molecules can attach. By way of example, he said a finger-pinch of a MOF has roughly the surface area of a football field. A fully saturated crystal sponge is 7.5 percent hydrogen by weight, a significant improvement over any currently known material. Yaghi is optimistic that it's possible to modify the rod-like components to enable hydrogen storage at everyday temperatures.(Source: NSF)Glow Plug Integrated Pressure Sensor Improves Diesel Engine Efficiencies
AUBURN HILLS, MI (April 12, 2006) - Siemens VDO is helping diesel engine manufacturers by developing powertrain innovations that make diesel engines cleaner and more efficient. These developments, says the company, are part of its efforts to help reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil.
Siemens VDO and Federal-Mogul Corp. have jointly developed the Glow Plug Integrated Pressure Sensor (GPPS), a next-generation clean diesel product designed to optimize the combustion process in light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by helping to increase engine power while lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
(Photo: Siemens VDO) The device provides a in-cylinder solution to help significantly reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate emissions. The sensor, which is integrated into the glow plug, measures combustion inside the engine. The pressure-sensing glow plug provides feedback to the engine management system, which controls the timing and quantity of fuel injected into the cylinder to stabilize combustion temperatures. This allows the engine to adjust injection characteristics to avoid combustion conditions that produce high NOx levels. At the center of the GPPS sensing element is a disk made of polycrystalline piezo ceramic mounted in the glow plug structure between two isolating washers. During the combustion process, the pressure increase applies a force onto the glow plug and its degree of structural change is passed on along an optimized stress transfer path and onto the piezo electric element. The degree of force applied to the glow plug is captured by the piezo element and processed to deliver an accurate electronic measurement of cylinder pressure in the engine's combustion stroke. "The use of diesel is increasingly being viewed as a conservation technology to reduce the nation's oil consumption, as clean diesel vehicles are 20 to 40 percent more fuel-efficient and emit 10 to 20 percent less greenhouse gas than their gasoline counterparts," said Siemens VDO Sensors Division General Manager Bret Sauerwein. "However, new legislation norms in both the United States and Europe set extremely low emission targets for the future diesel engine." The company added that as global emissions standards become stricter, the GPPS will also provide a solution to significantly reduce the cost, weight and packaging of diesel after-treatment solutions. (Source: Siemens VDO)
Funding Science In Our Schools ANAHEIM, CA (April 13, 2006) - Toyota awards grants to kindergarten through twelfth-grade teachers yearly, via its TAPESTRY program, which strives to support and fund innovative science education. Judges, accomplished in various areas of science, select projects that stand out in creativity, risk-taking and originality in three areas: environmental science, physical science and science applications that promote literacy. In 2005, the program awarded nearly $550,000 in grants to 76 K-12 U.S. teachers. Dr. Michael Padilla, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) president, said, "NSTA is proud to collaborate with Toyota to support and fund innovative science education projects through the TAPESTRY program. We are dually committed to rewarding educators who are passionate about demonstrating creativity and excellence in their science teaching. We thank Toyota for making education a priority." Approved projects to date for 2006 explore topics ranging from the science of weather forecasting to the alternative energy technologies needed to convert a gasoline-powered car into a functional electric vehicle. "We hope these grants will continue to inspire teachers and serve as a catalyst for lifetime science learning," said Michael Rouse, Toyota's corporate manager of philanthropy and community affairs. He noted that the program is open to elementary, middle and high school science teachers in the United States and its territories, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Teachers can apply individually or in teams; applications are due in January. (Sources: NSTA, Toyota)Daylight Driving The Newest Trend in Autos
LEXINGTON, KY, (April 11, 2006) - "Daylighting, as it's called, not only makes you feel good, it's good for you. Just look at the exponential rise in home-skylight installations in recent years. People today just can't get enough light," said Chris Theodore, vice chairman for American Specialty Cars (ASC), " Speaking at the 7th annual Global Automotive Conference sponsored by Western Kentucky University, Theodore said, "The anthropology, the demographics, the culture and the psychology of consumers are all aligned for the creation of significant markets in North America for both 'sunvertibles' and four-door convertibles." Citing the growing popularity of skylights in homes, the bulging demographics of Generation Y and the inherent "Peter Pan-ism" among a certain percentage of consumers in every generation, Theodore predicts that "sunvertibles" - SUVs, crossover vehicles and other vehicles featuring full-roof, open-air roof systems - will account for more than 1 million units in U.S. industry sales annually by 2012.
(Photo: ASC)
ASC in 2006 will celebrate its 25th year in building, and the company also offers a patent-pending sliding-roof system, called InfiniVu. Theodore noted that ASC's advanced parametric-modeling techniques now allow the company to "morph" its basic InfiniVu template to any automaker's vehicle in a matter of just minutes, a process that used to take weeks if not months. The innovation allows ASC to work with a variety of automakers.
He also said that the company is responding to significant interest from North American, Asian and European automakers, regarding its patent-pending concept for engineering four-door passenger-car architectures into convertibles. Theodore predicted that this open-air market, dormant since the mid-1960s, is now primed for a comeback, helped along by advances in body engineering and convertible-top design. He added that four-door convertibles should be a reality by 2009.
"Forty-three percent of all two-door passenger cars produced are sold as convertibles," he said. "Especially with the aging Baby-Boomer population, it only stands to reason that a significant number of the 6 million to 7 million or so sedan buyers each year would be attracted to four-door convertibles." Theodore believes that features like open-air systems and four-door convertibles will also hold appeal.
In contrast, Generation X, teenagers during the go-go 1980s when everything seemed to come so easy, are much more practical than their parents. However, that practicality is translating into the sales of even more multiple-use vehicles. In addition, as with every generation, the "never-grow-up Peter Pans" of Gen X are always looking for a certain " 'fun-and-freedom' quotient in their vehicles. Open-air systems can provide that in a new and different way," Theodore commented.
"If history is any guide, Generation Y, a demographic equal to Baby-Boomers in size that came of age during the 'tranquil '90s,' could well be just as self-indulgent as the Boomers
- which also bodes well for the potential popularity of open-air systems going forward," Theodore added.
(Source: ASC)
For Parents AURORA, IL (April 11, 2006) - A 16-minute DVD produced by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is intended to lower the risk for teenaged crash rates. Recognizing parents as being the primary decision-makers in determining when and if their teen progresses from one level of driving freedom to the next, "Young Drivers: The High-Risk Years" provides guidelines for parents who want to lower the risk for their children. AAA Chicago is providing free copies the DVD to members at its branches throughout Illinois and northern Indiana. A complete list of branch locations is available online at www.aaa.com. "The tragedy of teen driver crashes goes well beyond the teen driver and family," said Kris Lathan, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago. "These crashes also kill pedestrians and people in other vehicles -- that's somebody's mother, child, brother, or grandmother." In fact, the majority of people killed in teen driver crashes are people other than the teen drivers themselves, said Lathan, citing a recent analysis of 10 years of crash data by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The analysis shows that, nationwide, young novice drivers comprise slightly more than one-third of all the fatalities in crashes in which they are involved; whereas nearly two-thirds of those killed are passengers in the novice driver's vehicle, occupants of other vehicles and pedestrians. Separate studies completed by the IIHS have previously concluded that teenagers have higher crash rates than older drivers, and their crashes differ. IIHS analyses of fatal crash data indicate that teenage drivers are more likely to be at fault in their crashes. Teenagers' crashes and violations are more likely to involve speeding than those of older drivers, and teenagers are more likely than drivers of other ages to be in single-vehicle fatal crashes. Along with the DVD, AAA is providing several documents detailing risk factors for novice drivers, a model parent-teen contract to help parents set limits on their teen's driving and a parent-to-parent contract to help start a dialogue with other parents on restricting teen passengers and driving during night time high risk periods. "Regardless of what the state law says, parents should carefully consider if and when to allow their teen to transport other teens or ride with other novice teen drivers," said Lathan, "Even if it means playing 'chauffeur' for one more year." (Source: AAA Chicago, IIHS)Valeo System Wins PACE Award AUBURN HILLS, MI (April 4, 2006) - Valeo today announced that its microhybrid Starter-Alternator Reversible System (StARS) won the 2006 PACE Award in the European Products category, presented at a ceremony held in conjunction at the SAE World Congress.
(Photo: Valeo) Valeo has successfully integrated the functions of an alternator and starter into a single unit operating at 14 volts with a standard battery. The electronics and software have been specifically developed to combine these two functions, and Valeo says the performance of the starter-alternator is significantly better than a conventional separate starter and alternator. In starter mode, the belt drive and low inertia of the machine means that the vehicle starts silently and three times more quickly than with a traditional starter. In alternator mode, the machine outputs up to 180 amps of electricity at a rate of 85 percent, which is an output of more than 15percent compared to a conventional alternator. The StARS system features the capacity to stop and then restart the engine immediately and silently. This technology therefore saves fuel and avoids pollution when the vehicle stops at a red light, in a traffic jam or when making a delivery. The vehicle starts up again quietly and automatically as soon as it is put in gear or when the foot releases the brake. The system operates discreetly without disrupting the driver's normal driving habits. This innovation reduces both sound and atmospheric pollution, improves cabin comfort and reduces fuel consumption. For the vehicle user the advantages are numerous. As soon as the vehicle stops, the engine cuts out and therefore all sources of noise and pollutant emissions are eliminated and fuel consumption is zero. In areas with heavy populations, vehicles are generally at standstill for nearly 35 percent of each journey's time. In these conditions, the reduction in urban fuel consumption can be as much as 10 percent using the Start-Stop function, says Valeo. The system's electronics also improve the alternator's performance when producing electricity, which again means less fuel consumption and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The starter-alternator has an unobtrusive architecture and is easy to install on any vehicle powered by gasoline or diesel, adds the company. The unit can be fitted in place of the conventional alternator using the same fixings. This architecture frees up space where the starter would normally be located and its absence makes the vehicle proportionately lighter. (Source: Valeo)Ford Launches National Sweepstakes DEARBORN, MI (April 12, 2006) - Ford has launched "When It Fits, You Win," a national sweepstakes for automotive mechanical service professionals. Eligible participants have a chance to win a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 and other prizes by entering at www.whenitfitsyouwin.com/. The sweepstakes runs until Sept. 30, 2006. The "When It Fits, You Win" Web site also contains valuable coupons and discounts on Ford Genuine and Motorcraft branded products. Instant prize-winners will be listed on the Web site. The site features technical and product tips geared toward service professionals and monthly tips featuring Kenny Schrader, driver of the #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion. In addition to the grand prize, each qualified registrant also is eligible to win prizes such as Snap-on Tools gift cards, Ford Racing Collectibles, Carroll Shelby autographed die-cast Shelby Cobra Mustangs, leather racing jackets and other prizes. Eligible participants can return to the Web site each day throughout the sweepstakes for a chance to win a daily instant prize. Each registrant also receives a chance to win having the name of their qualified service business on the #21 Motorcraft Fusion during a select 2006 race. Finally, 10 first-prize winners will enjoy a VIP trip for two to the Ford Championship Weekend, Nov. 18 through 20, at the Miami Homestead Speedway. Each first-prize winner also will receive a key that may start the grand prize Ford Shelby GT500. The individual with the key that starts the vehicle will win the vehicle. (Source: Ford Customer Service Division)New Electric-Cooled Seat Cushion Beats The Summer Heat, Saves On Gas
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (April 12, 2006) - With sizzling summer months approaching, the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion is an aftermarket cooling seat cushion available today. After enduring many hot Arizona summers, the principals at Cool or Heat LLC, manufacturers of the seat, had experienced the need for a product like this. Recent advancements in thermo-electric technology have made it possible for the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion to become commercially viable.
The Cool-or-Heat seat cushion, available to the automotive aftermarket.
(Photo: Cool or Heat LLC) The cushion is designed to work on any vehicle seat, office chair, home lounger or even outside on patio furniture. The target market for retailers includes anyone who gets affected by the sizzling summer heat or the cold winter frost. It even can help people with lower back pain, says the company. Krista Walker, owner of Cool or Heat, LLC says, "In vehicles, the cooling function is the perfect solution for burning hot car seats, a sweaty back and bottom, and all-day driving. The heating function will help keep you warm throughout the cold winter months. Either function feels great while sitting on your office or home chair. Just flip the switch from cool to heat, it does both!" The Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion is a complete personal cooling and heating system that installs on top of any seat. Each system includes a thermo-electric power unit/pump, a foam-padded seat cushion with soft rubber tubing inside that circulates the cooled or heated liquid, a 12-volt DC vehicle lighter adaptor, and an AC home wall outlet adaptor. The suggested MRSP is just under $120. By using the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion, drivers have the potential to lower their gas usage by running the vehicle's air conditioner less often, points out Walker. Studies show that running a vehicle's air conditioning system can substantially lower the miles per gallon performance. "Our product creates a win-win situation for the environment and your pocketbook. In many circumstances, the gas savings alone can quickly cover the cost of purchasing a Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion," comments Walker. (Source: Cool or Heat
LLC)Toyota Switches to Water-Based Paints TOKYO (April 5, 2006) - Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) announced that it has completed introduction of metallic water-borne paint for the top coat painting process at all of the company's vehicle body paint lines in Japan, greatly promoting measures to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Toyota has long been actively implementing initiatives to reduce VOCs that generate suspended particulate matter and photochemical oxidants, which can contribute to atmospheric pollution and negatively affect human health. This action point was one goal in TMC's "Third Environmental Action Plan" (FY2001-2005). The shift from organic-solvent paints to water-borne paints in the vehicle body painting process, which is one of the major sources of VOC emissions in automobile manufacturing, is an important step in promoting further reduction of VOCs. TMC intends to reduce VOCs even more, as part of its "Fourth Environmental Action Plan" (FY2006-2010), which has a FY2010 goal to reduce VOC emissions to an average of 25grams/square meter or less on all paint lines. To achieve this goal, TMC is currently expanding introduction of water-borne paints to the vehicle body surfacer coat (middle coat) painting process and to bumper painting lines. (Source: Toyota)California Lawmaker Pulls Replacement Crash Parts Repair Bill SACRAMENTO, CA (April 12, 2006) - The Sacramento Bee has reported that California Assembly Bill 1852 (AB 1852) has been shelved indefinitely by one of its co-sponsors, Leland Yee (D-San Francisco). The legislation had been touted as a way to lower vehicle crash-repair costs by reducing the use of carmakers' costly repair parts and encouraging sales of cheaper generic brands. Yee had proposed the creation of a state-sanctioned process to certify that a generic part is of "like kind and quality" to the ones produced by a vehicle manufacturer. Critics claimed that AB 1852 was a thinly disguised boon to insurance companies, which would benefit from lower repair costs. A federal class-action lawsuit filed in San Jose, CA last month challenged the quality of generic parts, as well as the legitimacy of certifications by the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), which had supported the bill. Yee reportedly said he does not expect to reactivate the bill this year, but he did not rule out the possibility. In addition to the judicial challenge, AB 1852 was also facing prospects of a stiff legislative fight. Yee said that he has withdrawn AB 1852 until critics' questions are resolved and consumer benefit is assured. (Source: Sacramento Bee)AASP-MN Names Scholarship Recipients
Minneapolis, MN (April 17, 2006) - The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers- Minnesota's (AASP-MN) Automotive Education Foundation announced the students selected to receive a $500 scholarship award to support first-year continued studies in the automotive industry. Included on the list, with their field of concentration, are: * Sarah Bolstad, Lake Superior College, Duluth - Automotive Service Technology program. * Dustin Carlson, St. Cloud Technical College, St. Cloud - Auto Body Collision Repair program. Joshua Clemens, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount - Auto Body Collision Repair program. * Dwayne Corrigan, Northwest Technical College, Bemidji - Automotive Machining Technology program. * Gary Eipperle, St. Cloud Technical College, St. Cloud - Automotive Service Technology program. * Wardell Haywood, Century College, White Bear Lake - Automotive Service Technology program. * Bradley Helget, Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis - Automotive Service Technology program. * Ryan Ohrmundt, Minnesota State Community & Technical College, Detroit Lakes - Automotive Service Technology program. * Marcelo Ortega, Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount - Auto Body Collision Repair program. * Justin Shepherd, South Central College, Mankato - Automotive Service Technology program (Source: AASP-MN)
