Browse Topic: Sustainable development

Items (230)
Find
SAE TOMORRO TODAY BRIEFS - Scaling Software-Defined EV Fleets1351204/24/2025
When it comes to electrifying commercial vehicle fleets, one company offers a transformative modular platform that can drastically reduce the time to market. REE Automotive is a publicly traded company that designs and manufactures advanced software-defined vehicles (SDVs) that are fully electric, capable of autonomy, and compatible with existing fleet management software. The company recently began production on its first medium-duty truck for the US market and has since seen a 230% growth in reservations, indicating strong customer interest and positive feedback. To learn more, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, recently sat down with Daniel Barel, CEO, and Pete Dow, VP of Engineering, to discuss REE Automotive's revolutionary approach to scaling software-defined commercial EV fleets. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There, you can check out our podcast on the state of NEVI
Hineman, Marcie
Basic Investigation of Thermodynamic Effects on a Hydrogen Two-Stroke Engine2024-32-003904/18/2025
The spark ignited two-stroke engine, as a cost-efficient power unit with low maintenance demand, is used millionfold for the propulsion of hand-held application, motorcycles, scooters, boats and others. The outstanding power to weight ratio is the key advantage for two-stroke engines. However, poor exhaust emissions, caused by high scavenge losses, especially on port controlled two-stroke engines, and a low efficiency are disadvantages of this combustion process. Under the aspect of increasing environment- and health awareness, the two-stroke technology driven with fossil resources, shows no future advantage. The anthropogenic climate change force for sustainable development of combustion engines whereby reduction of fuel consumption or usage of alternative fuels is an important factor. Best way of a decarbonization to fulfil future climate goals is the utilization of non-carbon fuels. In this field of fuels, hydrogen, with its high energy content and close inexhaustible availability
Yasuda, Terutaka, Oswald, Roland, Kirchberger, Roland
A Power Split eCVT Hybrid for Sustainable Urban Mobility2024-32-002904/18/2025
The main drivers for powertrain electrification of two-wheelers, motorcycles and ATVs are increasingly stringent emission and noise limitations as well as the upcoming demand for carbon neutrality. Two-wheeler applications face significantly different constraints, such as packaging and mass targets, limited charging infrastructure in urban areas and demanding cost targets. Battery electric two wheelers are the optimal choice for transient city driving with limited range requirements. Hybridization provides considerable advantages and extended operation limits. Beside efficiency improvement, silent and zero emission modes with solutions allowing fully electric driving, combined boosting enhances performance and transient response. In general, there are two different two-wheeler base categories for hybrid powertrains: motorcycles featuring frame-integrated internal combustion engine (ICE) and transmission units, coupled with secondary drives via chain or belt; and scooters equipped with
Schoeffmann, W., Fuckar, G., Hubmann, C., Gruber, M.
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS - NEVI and America's EV Charging Future1350904/03/2025
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI) is a $5 billion initiative aimed at developing EV charging infrastructure across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. However, recent executive orders have put the program and its funding on hold. To dig into what this all means, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, recently sat down with Andrew Wishnia, Senior Vice President at Boundary Stone Partners, to discuss what NEVI is all about and what the future holds for this EV charging infrastructure initiative. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There, you can check out our drive of the new 2025 Ioniq 5, the first non-Telsa EV to hit the road with SAE J3400 (a.k.a., NACS). We'd love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don't forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today--a podcast where we discuss
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS - How Are Automakers Reacting to Tariffs?1350302/26/2025
There is no doubt that businesses, especially automakers, do not like uncertainty. So how are they reacting to potential tariffs and the impact on cross-border manufacturing? Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, recently sat down with Transportation and Business Journalist, Abigail Bassett, to the discuss the Trump administration's flurry of executive orders and how automakers are reacting. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There, you can check out the latest video of the Honda 0 Series. We'd love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and ideas for future topics and guests to podcast@sae.org. Don't forget to take a moment to follow SAE Tomorrow Today--a podcast where we discuss emerging technology and trends in mobility with the leaders, innovators and strategists making it all happen--and give us a review on your preferred podcasting platform. Follow SAE on LinkedIn
Hineman, Marcie
automation test jms - titleSAE-PP-0947202/05/2025
automation test jms - abstact
Rickard, Christopher
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS: Powering EVs Outside of the Grid1348611/06/2024
What if you could power your EV using a streetlight? Or access off-the-grid power units for emergency situations? Beam Global is accomplishing this and much more by building resilience into sustainable energy infrastructure. With innovative products that operate independently of the electrical grid, Beam delivers rapid, infrastructure-free, renewable EV solutions for both urban and emergency applications. To learn more, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sat down with Desmond Wheatley, CEO, Beam Global, to discuss the company's latest product expansions, including a portable desalination unit that converts saltwater into drinking water for disaster relief and conflict zones. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There, you can check out our video interview with Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson as we chat about EV efficiency. We'd love to hear from you. Share your comments, questions and
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS: How "Talking" Cyber Tires Make Driving Safer1347909/23/2024
What if your tires could talk? And your car would listen? Pirelli's new Cyber Tyres use Bluetooth-connected sensors to communicate directly with the car, using data to make adjustments in real time. This information - including temperature and pressure - is vital when it comes to increasing safety. To learn more, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sat down with Pierangelo Misani, Global Head of R&D for Pirelli, to discuss how this game-changing technology and the company's partnership with Bosch is shifting connected tire technology from reactive to proactive. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There, you can check out our interview with the Polestar CEO about the future of charging.
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS: Why AC Charging Deserves More Attention1347809/16/2024
When it comes to EV charging infrastructure, much of the focus centers on DC fast charging. However, AC charging may be just as important to EV adoption due to its lower cost and simplicity. To learn more, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sat down with Sam Abuelsamid, Principal Research Analyst at Guidehouse Insights, to discuss why AC charging deserves more attention on the journey toward mass EV adoption. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There, you can learn how Polestar is bringing EV production to the United States.
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY: What is the Future of the Car?1347508/27/2024
From autonomy to software to customization, the future of the car is multifaceted. As one of the world's largest suppliers in the automotive space, Magna International uniquely understands this. The company's capabilities span the entire vehicle -- from design to manufacturing to technology -- thus optimizing vehicle performance and shaping the future of the car. To learn more, we sat down with we sat down with Joerg Grotendorst, Senior Vice President, Corporate R&D, Magna, to discuss advancements in electrification and autonomy, innovative design features, and sustainable technologies -- and why a holistic approach to mobility is necessary.
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS: Experience the Thrill of Going Electric1347208/07/2024
Are you curious about EVs? Experience what it means to go electric at Electrify Expo, North America's largest electric vehicle festival. To learn more about this multi-city exhibition, Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sat down with BJ Birtwell, Founder & CEO, Electrify Expo, to discuss his passion for EVs and how giving consumers first-hand EV experiences can positively impact sales decisions. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There, you can learn about how EVs combat the cold with heat pumps and preconditioning.
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS: The Supplier's Role in Achieving Sustainability1346607/10/2024
When people think of sustainability in the automotive world, they typically focus on the automaker. But the reality is that sustainability goals cannot be met without suppliers. GKN Automotive is a Tier 1 supplier of driveline components, all-wheel drive systems, and plug-in hybrid solutions. Listen in as Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sits down with Tom Salisbury, Director of Sustainability, GKN Automotive, to discuss the company's sustainability goals, working toward a net zero supply chain, and responsible sourcing practices. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There you can learn about the adoption of SAE standard J3400 (also known as NACS or the Tesla port) and what it means for the future of charging EVs.
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS: The Return of Inexpensive EVs1346306/26/2024
For the average car buyer, EVs have two major sticking points: a lack of charging infrastructure and a hefty price tag. Fortunately, both of those issues will be addressed with the move to the North American Charging System (NACS) -- standardized as SAE J3400 -- and the necessary return of less expensive EVs. Listen in as Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, discusses the inexpensive EV options hitting the market over the next few years. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. If you're not quite ready to add an EV to your household, watch our plug-in hybrid explainer video to get up to speed.
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY BRIEFS: EV Batteries That Run on Sunshine--Or in the Cold1346006/12/2024
It's no secret that installing EV charging stations can be time-consuming. But what if you could use the power of the sun? Beam Global is doing just that -- not only on land, but in the water and sky as well. Beam's research and work in thermal management enables EV batteries to charge in a hot or cold environments. Using clean energy solutions like solar power, Beam deploys EV charging infrastructure in minutes not months -- with no permitting, no construction, and no electrical work. Listen in as Roberto Baldwin, Sustainability Editor, SAE Sustainable Mobility Solutions, sits down with Said Al-Hallaj, Chief Battery Scientist, Beam Global, to discuss the rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, the challenges of electrification in the air and water, and the importance of thermal management. For more information on the evolution of sustainability, head on over to sustainablecareers.sae.org. There you can read about how GM is pushing back on media coverage that growth in the
Hineman, Marcie
Electrifying the Giants: Green mobility solution for M&HCVs in India.2024-26-013101/16/2024
Diesel operated Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCV) account for nearly 70% of all road transportation in India which is expected to quadruple, from 4 million in 2022 to roughly 17 million trucks by 2050. Despite comprising a mere 5% of total vehicle fleet, they consume nearly 57% of fossil fuel used by the transport sector and responsible for 71% ,74% and 55% of CO2 ,PM and NOx emissions respectively. This necessities the transition of M&HCV into green mobility solution. Furthermore, smaller vehicles like 2W, 3W, 4 wheeler like cars and buses are adopting EV technology at a faster pace coupled with incentivization through government policies like FAME-I, FAME-II etc., advocates an immediate intervention on electrification of M&HCVs to multifold the impact. This paper suggests a collaborative approach amongst M&HCV manufactures and government agencies to realize the transition while integrating the benefits of reduced emissions, lower operating costs, quieter operation
Saurabh, Piyush, Giri, Debabrata
SAE TOMORROW TODAY: Avant-Garde EV Company to Build in the US1340106/22/2023
While you may not have heard of Polestar, its exceptional performance, unique buying experience, and commitment to sustainability enables this novel brand to "intercept" its customers. Headquartered in Sweden and built with Scandinavian minimalism in mind, Polestar offers a friction-free, primarily digital EV buying experience which includes boutique showrooms in areas with high foot traffic--a contrast to the traditional car lot. The company recently unveiled its first electric performance SUV, the Polestar 3, which is produced in United States. With a focus on supply chain traceability and sustainability labelling, Polestar assesses their vehicles' lifetime carbon footprint, covering emissions from materials production, manufacturing, and logistics, use phase, and end of life. As part of their commitment to an electrified future, Polestar also recently partnered with the SAE Foundation to spark STEM curiosity amongst students. To learn more about this burgeoning brand, we sat down
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY: Sustainable Rubber Hits the Road1337902/03/2023
When the rubber hits the road, one tire company stands out among the rest. From raw material traceability to supply chain transparency, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is not only helping to do what's good for business, but what's good for the planet, too. Driven by an ambitious sustainability strategy, Goodyear has set goals to develop a tire made of 100% sustainable materials by 2030 and using only renewable energy in its manufacturing facilities and operations by 2040. The company is even working to develop a domestic source of natural rubber from a specific species of dandelion in collaboration with the Department of Defense, the Air Force Research Lab, BioMADE and Farmed Materials. To learn more about Goodyear's impressive sustainability journey, we sat down with Ellis Jones, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer. He discusses the company's uniquely strong culture, the importance of working collaboratively with small farms, and the development of new sustainable tire
Hineman, Marcie
5 Ws of Floating SensorsTBMG-4562104/07/2022
SAE TOMORROW TODAY: SAE: Forging a New Mobility Ecosystem - Part 11317111/12/2021
Think you know SAE? These episodes will have you thinking again. The next mobility revolution is upon us. Connected, automated and electrified transportation can provide equity of access to jobs, education, health care and beyond - but the future comes with challenges as innovators consider sustainability, resiliency and scalability of production. In part one of this special two-part series, SAE International's own Chief Growth Officer, Frank Menchaca, discusses the ways SAE is meeting the changing needs of 21st-century transportation and mobility, the organization's partnership with Argo AI and Clemson University to build the new Robotics Bootcamp, why SAE's J3016 Levels of Driving Automation was created, and the launch of SAE's Office of Sustainable Energy. Intrigued? Meet Pete. Meet Skylar. And meet Violet.
Hineman, Marcie
MOLD IN COLOR PIANNO BLACK PC MATERIAL FOR AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR APPLICATION2021-26-024209/22/2021
Aesthetics contribute significantly to the customer buying decision of an automobile. This is traditionally achieved through painting. Sustainability and cost challenges have led automakers to look at substituting painting through molded-in color polymers in decorative bezels like pillar appliques. These appliques and bezels have a unique mix of material requirements that include color tone, gloss, stiffness, scratch resistance and weathering. Polycarbonates are an interesting class of polymers that has potential to meet these challenging requirements. This paper reports the work done in evaluating a polycarbonate compound in piano black shade to meet the functional and aesthetic requirements. The results prove that the material can substitute painting thereby resulting in significant cost savings.
Govindaraj, Karthik, Vimalathithan, Murukesan, Balaji, K V, Samir, Gandhi, hebbar, vinayak
Evaluation of Sustainable Alternative Fuels from Waste Coffee Grounds2021-01-120609/21/2021
The economy is gradually transitioning to a circular model that extends resources, reduces waste and requires a great deal of creative thinking. Both established and emerging global economies view waste as a main bioresource for our next generation energy. Nowadays a growing recognition evolves that the twin problems of waste management and resource depletion can be solved together through the utilization of food waste as a resource, using green and sustainable technologies that can play a significant part in the forthcoming bio-economy era. Coffee is one of the most popular beverages with the consumption continuously increasing and generating huge amounts of solid residues in return. This solid waste after the extraction of the coffee beverage is known as Waste or Spent Coffee Grounds (WCG). Among others the valorization has the potential to be directed as a bioresource for sustainable energy and particularly for the production of alternative liquid fuels for ICE. The aim of the
Dodos, George S., Deligiannis, Alexandros, Karonis, Dimitrios, Zannikos, Fanourios
Sustainable 3D-Printed MagnetsTBMG-3980909/01/2021
From wind turbines and electric motors to sensors, permanent magnets are used in many electrical applications. The production of these magnets usually involves sintering or injection molding. But due to the increasing miniaturization of electronics and more exacting requirements placed on magnetic components in terms of geometry, conventional manufacturing methods are frequently coming up short. Additive manufacturing technologies, however, offer the required flexibility of shape, enabling production of magnets tailored to the demands of the application in question.
Pre-Treatment Solution for Water RecoveryTBMG-3959508/01/2021
The Pre-Treatment Solution for Water Recovery was developed by NASA Johnson to increase the amount of potable water recovered from the International Space Station’s urine processor assembly system. Turning wastewater, urine, or seawater into potable water requires three important steps: 1) pre-treatment, 2) distillation or membrane filtration, and 3) transport and storage of potable water and brine. This solution is added during the first step, consequently improving the next steps in the process primarily by reducing the formation of solid precipitates.
Using Wood Byproducts to Produce Sustainable BioplasticsTBMG-3962308/01/2021
Efforts to shift from petrochemical plastics to renewable and biodegradable plastics have proven tricky — the production process can require toxic chemicals and is expensive, and the mechanical strength and water stability is often insufficient. Now, researchers have used wood byproducts to produce more durable and sustainable bioplastics.
Organic Material for Next-Generation HVAC TechnologiesTBMG-3962408/01/2021
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often come with dehumidifiers but are currently not energy efficient, guzzling around 76% of the electricity in commercial and residential buildings. Researchers have determined that organic material called polyimides use less energy to dry air. Poly-imide-based dehumidifiers can bring down the price of HVAC systems, which currently cost thousands of dollars.
System Identifies Battery Materials for RecyclingTBMG-3957608/01/2021
The emergence and dominance of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries in markets such as consumer electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage are driving enormous interest in the battery sector. The growing demand is generating a huge number of spent Li-ion batteries, thereby urging the development of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable recycling technologies to manage end-of-life batteries.
Graphene “Nano-Origami” Creates Tiny MicrochipsTBMG-3960408/01/2021
Tiny microchips can be made from graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials using a form of “nano-origami.” By creating kinks in the structure of graphene, researchers made the nanomaterial behave like a transistor and showed that when a strip of graphene is crinkled in this way, it can behave like a microchip that is around 100 times smaller than conventional microchips.
SAE TOMORROW TODAY: Los Angeles World Airports Innovating the Passenger Experience1315307/08/2021
The airline industry is gradually emerging from a devastating hit as the world rebounds from the shut downs caused by COVID-19. On the path back to "normal," digitization, innovation and sustainability are transforming the travel experience. Justin Erbacci, CEO, Los Angeles World Airports, is doing his part to revolutionize the airport experience through biometrics, food and beverage delivery to the gate, and FlyAway bus service at @LAXAirport - and that's just the beginning! Tune in to hear how Erbacci and his team are propelling LAX into the future and setting the tone in the industry.
Hineman, Marcie
SAE TOMORROW TODAY: Bear Flag Robotics, Helping Farmers Improve Sustainability1300804/06/2021
Sustainable farming is within reach and Bear Flag Robotics is part of the collage of technology that's making it happen. On the latest episode, we spoke with Igino Cafiero and Aubrey Donnellan, Founders of Bear Flag Robotics, to discuss how the unique business model enables business and farming success. From their days at Carnegie Mellon to the present, the unique perspectives of Cafiero and Donnellan have helped build the Bear Flag Robotics business on diversity of thought, transparency and trust. Discover how they bring these same ideals to business relationships with farmers and how Bear Flag's technology plays a role in safety, productivity and sustainability.
Hineman, Marcie
3D Printing with Wood-Based InkTBMG-3847402/01/2021
The way in which wood grows is controlled by its genetic code, which gives it unique properties in terms of porosity, toughness, and torsional strength. But wood has limitations when it comes to processing. Unlike metals and plastics, it cannot be melted and easily reshaped, and instead must be sawed, planed, or curved. Processes that involve conversion — to make products such as paper, cards, and textiles — destroy the underlying ultrastructure, or architecture, of the wood cells.
Side-Mounted Solar Modules Enhance Energy SustainabilityTBMG-3832901/01/2021
If builders could incorporate solar harvesting into the siding of a building, the amount of energy from the grid that a structure would need may significantly decrease. Researchers have demonstrated the potential of wedge-shaped luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) that can easily be hung on the side of a building.
Special Section: The Winners of the 2020 'Create the Future' Design ContestTBMG-3828312/01/2020
The , launched in 2002 by Tech Briefs Media Group (publishers of Tech Briefs magazine), recognizes and rewards engineering innovations that benefit humanity, the environment, and the economy. The annual contest draws product designs from engineers, students, and entrepreneurs worldwide.
Creating the Future: Implantable ICD Eliminates Wires & Offers Painless DefibrillationTBMG-3816412/01/2020
Design of New Piezoelectric Composites Using NanocelluloseTBMG-3824712/01/2020
This research project focused on cellulose crystals as building blocks for the design and development of new low-density functional polymer composites. Although the piezoelectricity of cellulose has been predicted from its non-centrosymmetric crystal structure, it has not been measured accurately, nor has cellulose been properly exploited as a piezoelectric material. If it is proven, it could enable novel low-density electroactive materials capable of surpassing the performance of the best synthetic piezoelectric polymer such as polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF).
Sunlight Converts Emissions into Useful MaterialsTBMG-3800511/01/2020
The rapidly growing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth’s atmosphere is one of the most urgent issues humanity must address to avoid a climate catastrophe. Thanks to greenhouse gases like CO2, the heat from the Sun is remaining trapped in the atmosphere, warming the planet. Researchers developed a method to break CO2 apart and convert the greenhouse gas into useful materials like fuels or consumer products ranging from pharmaceuticals to polymers.
Electricity-Free Radiative Cooling SystemTBMG-3798111/01/2020
Engineers have designed a system that can help cool buildings in crowded metropolitan areas without consuming electricity — an important innovation at a time when cities are working to adapt to climate change.
Faster-Degrading Plastic for Marine UsesTBMG-3797611/01/2020
To address the plastic environmental crisis, chemists have developed a new polymer with ample strength in a marine setting that degrades by ultraviolet radiation. The plastic has the mechanical properties required by commercial fishing gear. If it eventually gets lost in the aquatic environment, the material can degrade on a realistic time scale.
A Full-System Approach to Maximize Energy Efficiency of a Wheel Bearing2020-01-163110/05/2020
Environmental sustainability is morphing Automotive technical development strategies and driving the evolution of vehicles with a speed and a strength hardly foreseeable a decade ago. The entire vehicle architecture is impacted, and energy efficiency becomes one of the most important parameters to reach goals, which are now not only market demands, but also based on regulatory standards with penalty consequences. Therefore, rolling drag from all bearings in multiple rotating parts of the vehicle needs to be reduced; wheel bearings are among the biggest in size regardless of the powertrain architecture (ICE, Hybrid, BEV) and have a significant impact. The design of wheel bearings is a complex balance between features influencing durability, robustness, vehicle dynamics, and, of course, energy efficiency. Whereas the driving efficiency and durability have always been main drivers for wheel hub designs, the upcoming development of BEVs, which use large battery packs, has introduced
Re, Paolo, Lamboglia, Francesco, Missiaggia, Giorgio
5 Ws of Algae-Based Flip-FlopsTBMG-3781010/01/2020
Flip-flops are one of the most popular sandals, with an estimated market size of $20 billion.
Ford envisions broad portfolio of renewable materials - including coffee20AUTP10_1010/01/2020
A broad portfolio of renewable materials is available now that can help the automotive industry reduce its carbon footprint. Many of these new materials exceed the performance of traditional plastic composites, and more are constantly coming online. This was the message from Dr. Deborah Mielewski, senior technical leader of sustainable and advanced materials at Ford, during her recent “Greener materials for a greener world” virtual keynote at the 2020 SPE Automotive Composites Conference. According to Mielewski, Ford already has more than 10 renewable materials in production, including natural fiber reinforced composites such as wheat straw, rice hulls and tree-based cellulose fiber that exceed traditional-material performance. “Over the past five years, we have kicked off several new material investigations with cellulose nanofibers and materials from carbon dioxide,” Mielewski said, “and we are applying our knowledge in green materials to the exploding area of 3D printing.”
Seredynski, Paul
A Material Flow Model for Production Stage for a Life Cycle of Passenger Cars with Combustion Engine and Electric Powertrain2020-01-202009/15/2020
To meet the requirements of sustainable development, car environmental impacts must be assessed at all stages of its life: from designing, through its manufacture and use, to its recycling after use. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) makes it possible. This approach to environmental assessment is necessary, particularly in assessment of new technologies of electric powertrain, where most environmental impacts are shifted from the use stage to production. Reliable and possibly the most recent data are required on materials and production processes to develop a valid flow model. Ecoinvent inventory database is a commonly used source of reliable data. However, Ecoinvent provides data about Golf 4 (1,240 kg), a compact class car. The ratio of glider and drivetrain is therefore optimized for that class. Using the dataset for other vehicle classes by simply considerably increasing or decreasing the total vehicle mass may lead to imprecise results. There is no mathematical relationship that would
Mrozik, Małgorzata, Danilecki, Krzysztof, Eliasz, Jacek
Effect of Renewable Fuel Blends on PN and SPN Emissions in a GDI Engine2020-01-219909/15/2020
To characterize the effects of renewable fuels on particulate emissions from GDI engines, engine experiments were conducted using EN228-compliant gasoline fuel blends containing no oxygenates, 10% ethanol (EtOH), or 22% ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE). The experiments were conducted in a single cylinder GDI engine using a 6-hole fuel injector operated at 200 bar injection pressure. Both PN in raw exhaust and solid PN (SPN) were measured at two load points and various start of injection (SOI) timings. Raw PN and SPN results were classified into various size ranges, corresponding to current and future legislations. At early SOI timings, where particulate formation is dominated by diffusion flames on the piston due to liquid film, the oxygenated blends yielded dramatically higher PN and SPN emissions than reference gasoline because of fuel effects. For particulates >23 nm and with optimized SOI timing, the use of oxygenated blends significantly increases SPN and conversely decreases raw PN
Etikyala, Sreelekha, Koopmans, Lucien, Dahlander, Petter
Bacteria-Based Hydrogel Beads Clean Up Contaminated GroundwaterTBMG-3745108/01/2020
Hydrogel beads with the consistency of gummy candy are made with an ingredient used in processed foods to clean up groundwater contaminated with dangerous and widely used volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Among the contaminants addressed by the method are 1,1,1-trichloroethane, cis-1,2-dichloroethene, and 1,4-dioxane — degreasers commonly used by industry and the military. The chemicals can infiltrate groundwater through leaky underground storage tanks or runoff, or by simply being dumped on the ground.
Reverse Fuel Cell Converts Waste Carbon to Valuable ChemicalsTBMG-3745808/01/2020
Fuel cells turn chemicals into electricity. Now, engineers have adapted technology from fuel cells to do the reverse: harness electricity to make valuable chemicals from waste carbon (CO2).
Smart Sponge for Environmental RemediationTBMG-3744108/01/2020
Oil spill cleanup is an expensive and complicated process that often harms marine life and further damages the environment. Currently used solutions include burning the oil, using chemical dispersants to breakdown oil into very small droplets, skimming oil floating on top of water, and/or absorbing it with expensive, unrecyclable sorbents. Burning increases carbon emissions and dispersants are harmful for marine wildlife. Skimmers don’t work in rough waters or with thin layers of oil. Sorbents are not only expensive but generate a huge amount of physical waste.
Nature-Inspired Green Energy TechnologyTBMG-3722507/01/2020
Researchers around the world seek to use photosynthesis — the sunlight-driven chemical reaction that green plants and algae use to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into cellular fuel— to generate the kinds of fuel that can power homes and vehicles. If the necessary technology could be refined past theoretical models and lab-scale prototypes, this idea, known as artificial photosynthesis, has the potential to generate large sources of completely renewable energy using the surplus CO2 in the atmosphere.
Essential Oils Inhibit Mold on WoodTBMG-3703506/01/2020
Moisture management remains the most important critical factor for controlling mold growth on wood and wood products during storage, construction, and in service. Potential health risks caused by mold growth in houses and non-residential wooden structures have been a major concern for homeowners, building contractors, and insurance companies.
Carbonated Cement for Production of Concrete with Improved PropertiesTBMG-3704406/01/2020
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a new cement composition and manufacturing method that enables carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction in cement manufacturing while also providing a cement with improved performance capabilities. Building off of expertise in life-support oxygen-control systems for spacecraft, researchers have demonstrated a process whereby carbon is reduced to solid form from captured CO2 emissions and becomes an inherent component of the cement product. The technical viability of the innovation was demonstrated with laboratory testing indicating that, in addition to reduced CO2 emissions, cement compositions with enhanced properties can be attained.
'Artificial Leaf' Produces Clean GasTBMG-3703306/01/2020
Syngas is currently made from a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and is used to produce a range of commodities such as fuels, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and fertilizers. Producing it sustainably could be a critical step in closing the global carbon cycle and establishing a sustainable chemical and fuel industry.
Recovery of Mercury and Rare Earth Elements from Fluorescent Lamp PhosphorsTBMG-3580301/01/2020
All fluorescent lights contain small amounts of mercury and rare earth metals. There is a need to safely remove and recycle mercury and rare earth elements from used fluorescent lamps in order to keep the valuable and potentially poisonous metals out of the environment and aid the domestic recovery of critical materials.
Items per page:
1 – 50 of 230