“Mechatronic Automotive Propulsion Systems: Design, Modeling and Control”

Abstract

Reducing automobile energy consumption and emissions is critical for the sustainability of transportation and the global environment. In this talk, an overview of the “mechatronic propulsion system” and its potential benefits on transportation energy production, storage, and conversion will be presented. To achieve those benefits, the traditional automotive powertrain needs to be transformed from a mechanical system into a mechatronic system. Key challenges for realizing the mechatronic powertrain will be discussed and research efforts to address those challenges will be highlighted. Specifically I will present our recent work on high speed and precise actuation systems, systematic control design methodologies, and several applications such as camless engine, free piston engine etc.

Bio: Zongxuan Sun is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota. He received his Ph.D. in 2000 from Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Previous experience includes Staff Researcher at General Motors R&D Center, Senior Engineer at Western Digital Corporation. He serves as the Co-Deputy Director of the NSF ERC of Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, Technical Editor of IEEE/ASME transactions on Mechatronics, Associate Editor of ASME transactions on Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement and Control. Dr. Sun is a recipient of the Charles E. Bowers Faculty Teaching Award, George W. Taylor Career Development Award from College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, NSF CAREER Award, SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award, “Inventor Milestone” Award, Spark Plug Award, Charles L. McCuen Special Achievement Award from GM R&D.