AVL recently partnered with Michigan Technological University, American Center for Mobility (ACM), Borg Warner Inc. (BW), Navistar (NAV) and Traffic Technology Services (TTS) for a Connected Cohort Optimization project funded by Department of Energy, EEMS: Energy Efficient Mobility Systems, VTO: Vehicle Technologies Office.

 The project is answering this fundamental question “What can the synergy of fusing connectivity and automation in multiple vehicles that aren't just light duty vehicles or mixing heavy duty and light duty together? How can they work together as a team cooperatively to reduce energy on different infrastructures?” In this week’s episode Stephan Tarnutzer is joined by Darrell Robinette, MTU Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics. In this episode they discuss these answers and more. 

 The project aimed to: 

• Develop co-simulation environment to engineer improved energy consumption synergy on various infrastructure scales with mixed vehicle propulsion, connectivity, drive automation technology levels
• Integrate expanded connectivity data sharing and link cloud based optimization into LD-HD CAV vehicle test fleet
• Validate models and demonstrate 10-50% energy reductions at intersection, arterial roadway and limited access highway scenarios

 Darrell Robinette, MTU Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics: Darrell joined the MTU in August of 2016 after nine years at General Motors working in the Powertrain division. His engineering roles included powertrain noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), powertrain controls, calibration, development and validation and new electrification product engineering. Darrell holds 15 granted US patents in powertrain and driveline engineering from his time at GM. In returning to Michigan Tech, Darrell’s objectives are to educate and train engineering students for careers in propulsion system engineering through courses and research in mobility systems electrification, propulsion system integration and connected and automated vehicle controls and optimization for energy consumption.

 Darrell’s funded research projects from industry and federal agencies include:

•  General Motors - Torque Converter and Automatic Transmission dynamic testing and simulation
•  Ford Motor Company - Torque Converter and Driveline transient NVH
• Dept. of Energy - Various, connected and automated vehicle optimization, heavy duty off-road electrification
• ARPA-E - NEXTCAR I and II programs for connected and automated vehicles

If you would like to be a guest on the show contact: [email protected]