PHONE: (313) 593-5518
DATE: July 22, 2005
UM-Dearborn professor to chair "e-conference" on hybrid-electric vehicles
DEARBORN---University of Michigan-Dearborn engineering Prof. Chris Mi
will present an "e-conference" on hybrid-electric vehicles for
members of the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25.
The "e-conference" format will allow groups to participate in
the seminar from remote locations in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Mi, assistant professor of electrical
and computer engineering in the UM-Dearborn College
of Engineering and Computer Science, regularly offers a graduate course
in electric and hybrid vehicles. He has also taught courses and led seminars
on the subject for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command
and for the Society of Automotive Engineers.
"The e-conference is planned to be a very timely discussion on both
the auto companies' vision, as well as customers' perceptions," Mi
said.
Hybrid-electric vehicles are one of the fastest growing automotive segments
and present both opportunities and challenges, Mi said.
"Hybrid vehicles are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly
than conventional vehicles," he said. "By optimizing the power
intake, the engine operation can be kept within the range designed for
best fuel economy and lowest emissions, while the motor/generator system
will either provide additional power or generate electricity. Because
of these advantages, hybrid vehicles have attracted worldwide interest
in the automotive industry."
Some experts predict that hybrid vehicles will take at least 10 percent
of the total vehicle market share in the next 5 years and could affect
200,000 jobs in automotive-related industries.
Mi has conducted extensive research and published more than 50 articles
on power electronics, motor drives, and electric and hybrid vehicles.
In addition to his position at UM-Dearborn, Mi is the director of educational
activities and chair of the industrial and power electronics chapter of
the IEEE Southeast Michigan section.
The e-conference, scheduled to last approximately two hours, has been
planned for members of the IEEE region in northeastern Wisconsin but is
open to IEEE members in Michigan. Groups interested in participating should
contact the IEEE (Sat Basu, Region 4 technical activities chair) by email
at satbasu@ieee.org or by phone
(313) 235-6523.
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