Dec 3 2007
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. has announced its support of the student teams participating in Challenge X: Crossover to Sustainable Mobility.
Quantum supplied its advanced hydrogen storage systems to three of the participating teams, as well as providing technical support, safety training, and system commissioning. Quantum's Advanced Vehicle Concept Center in Lake Forest, California also served as a staging and inspection site for Challenge X teams participating in the 23rd International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS-23) held in Anaheim, California, Dec. 2-5, 2007.
Challenge X is a unique engineering competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors, which is providing 17 university teams from across North America the opportunity to follow the GM Global Vehicle Development process and develop advanced propulsion technology solutions that will increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The teams are using a variety of alternative fuels, including biodiesel (B20), ethanol (E85), reformulated gasoline, and hydrogen, and technologies, including hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, and fuel cells. Students are working on a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, a GM crossover sport utility vehicle platform, and integrating cutting-edge advanced automotive technologies with these alternative fuels to minimize total environmental impact and build a sustainable transportation future.
Quantum supplied its advanced hydrogen storage systems to three teams, namely Pennsylvania State University, Texas Tech University, and the University of Tulsa. These teams are using hydrogen in innovative approaches as a supplementary or secondary propulsion source to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve system efficiency. Penn State is injecting hydrogen into their vehicle's diesel engine as an emissions abatement strategy. The Texas Tech and Tulsa teams are using hydrogen to power auxiliary systems for their vehicles.
"Quantum is proud to support some of the best and brightest engineering students from universities across North America in Challenge X. We have been impressed by the progress made by these dedicated teams and the innovation of their solutions," said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. "We applaud the DOE and GM in sponsoring the Challenge X competition, which provides the opportunity to teach real-world engineering skills to students that will make them highly valuable to the automotive industry while developing innovative approaches to increase fuel efficiency of practical motor vehicles and move towards sustainable mobility."