Transportation Initiatives

Services

Advanced Energy has almost 30 years of experience creating economic, environmental and societal benefits through innovative and market-based approaches to energy issues. The following list of services represents only a sample of the capabilities of Advanced Energy’s transportation team. To learn more about how our team of experts can assist your organization, call 919-857-9000 or contact Jeff Barghout at jbarghout@advancedenergy.org

Some of our services include:

• Technology Verification and Demonstration
• Performance Analysis
• Decision Support
• Motor Lab Expertise
• Marketplace Knowledge
• Education and Outreach

Technology Verification, Demonstration and Implementation
Advanced Energy is experienced in developing plans for technology verification and demonstration. Our staff of experts have written test plans and performed evaluations of technologies such as plug-in hybrid electric school buses, bucket trucks and passenger vehicles. We are currently developing plans for testing the performance and feasibility of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We work with our clients to tailor a demonstration program to meet their needs and project goals, all while remaining a credible, independent third-party testing agency.

Advanced Energy has extensive capabilities in managing and implementing programs. Beginning in 1991, we worked with our utility partners to understand the potential of electric transportation through the conversion of several vehicles to electric operation. In 2001, we created the Plug-in Hybrid Electric School Bus (PHESB) Project and organized a nationwide purchase of PHESBs. Advanced Energy, through its network of industry partners, successfully created the world’s first commercially available plug-in hybrid school bus through this program in 2007. Advanced Energy also coordinated the conversion of multiple Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to plug-in vehicles for the City of Raleigh and several utilities. We are currently monitoring the performance of these vehicles.  Additionally, we are currently working with Idaho National Laboratory, V2Green and A123/Hymotion to monitor and analyze another fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Advanced Energy also manages the NC Get Ready! project. Initiated by the City of Raleigh, NC Get Ready! aims to bring electrified transportation to the state of North Carolina.

Performance Analysis
Advanced Energy serves as an independent third party for collecting, processing and analyzing a wide variety of technology performance data. Staff members are skilled and experienced in specifying test instrumentation, developing and implementing data acquisition practices and performing data analysis. Data collection is accomplished through a variety of methods, including utilizing the company’s suite of on-board data logging equipment, remote data gathering, end user interviews and site visits. Advanced Energy also performs in-use emissions monitoring. Advanced Energy, or its partnering organizations, uses a portable emissions measurement system (PEMS) to measure in-use emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter. These measurements are made in an in-use setting, providing real-time emission estimates for field conditions.

Data sets are typically analyzed using MATLAB, Microsoft Excel and JMP software (SAS) to determine specific data trends. Advanced Energy also has access to staff that are skilled in advanced vehicle system modeling by use of Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) and Powertrain System Analysis Toolkit (PSAT) software. These packages are used for simulating the performance of a variety of vehicle types and systems. Data is presented in a variety of resolutions, including fleet-wide and vehicle-specific. Typical analyses include characterizing fuel economy improvements, identifying optimum vehicle routes and usage characteristics, investigating battery performance and other factors to gain insight into performance improvements.

Decision Support
Advanced Energy offers fleet owners and end users decision support for identifying and determining specific technologies and conditions that yield the best performance.  Advanced Energy looks at each project on a case-by-case basis, determining the best application for technologies. We provide information that will support a client’s decision-making process in determining the best technology for their application, preferably at the lowest cost and environmental impact.

Education and Outreach
Advanced Energy has developed and implemented extensive education and outreach programs.  We work closely with clients to tailor an education and outreach campaign based on their specific needs and goals.  We offer coordination and leadership in collaboration with clients to increase exposure by building enthusiasm and support for programs through outreach activities such as:

• Media days
• Fact sheets
• Newsletters
• Users groups
• Papers and articles
• Webinars and teleconferences
• Workshops, conferences and meetings