An overview of AVRC programs and activities can be downloaded at the following link-
                http://www.avrc.com/presentations/AVRC_accomplishments.ppt
 

• Hydrogen refueling station design and build document

This project utilized existing market-ready technologies to create a “Design & Build” document for a mobile refueling station capable of generating hydrogen for the fueling of hybrid and hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Based on the design document, the unit can be transported to various locations to support education, outreach, research and demonstration activities. If implemented, a string of low cost, low volume hydrogen stations could be the base for a hydrogen infrastructure that would facilitate the production of more hydrogen powered vehicles. 

• Ethanol efficiency, Pontiac and Corvette

Working with a top consultant in the UK on combustion efficiency, and Lotus Engineering, NA, we completed two vehicles that demonstrate how the higher octane in ethanol can be utilized to gain up to a 30% improvement in efficiency in a purpose built ethanol engine. The technology could benefit the alternative fuel industry that has been hurt by the fact that standard ‘flex-fuel’ vehicles show a significant loss in power and mileage when operating on ethanol. The vehicles are a 2007 Pontiac G-6 and a 1992 Corvette, both now equipped with a high tech GM Ecotec engine.

• Distance Learning Lab

The AVRC will be teaching a course on Alternative Fuels at Nash Community College entitled "Alternative Fuels Training". More information can be found in this flyer.

• Workforce strategy

The AVRC, working jointly with the National Aerospace Development Center, completed a workforce development strategic plan for the State of North Carolina.  The plan provides a set of strategies to enhance the aerospace workforce in North Carolina to meet growing industry demands.

• Combustion analysis lab at NCSU

AVRC provided expertise and funding through a US DOE grant to build a combustion analysis laboratory at NCSU. The lab will be completed later this year and allow testing of bio-fuels for energy and emissions.

• Commercial and fleet plug-in electric hybrid conversions

AVRC has been named the Fleet Vehicle Operations Center for A123/Hymotion, and is dedicated to work with fleet and commercial groups of this new technology. Since installing the first prototype conversions in the Southeast region in September of 2007, AVRC has worked with utilities and municipalities to provide installation, support and assistance while they tested this technology in real world conditions. These conversions take the standard hybrid Prius and add an additional 5 KW Lithium-Ion battery pack that can be recharged from a 110 volt standard wall socket. Fully charged, the car can be driven up to 35 miles on mostly electricity, which is now the average daily mileage driven by an American driver. When in urban and suburban environments, these plug-in hybrids can routinely get 100 mpg or more.