IMPACT - DEVELOPMENT
Multi-layered planning and execution in all aspects of advancement
CAD - How to reverse engineer existing parts to recreate them using 3D printing
In 2023 we developed a prototype CAD process that takes a part with limited technical data and fast tracks a creation of a TDP to allow for procurement. This work has led into the ongoing Additive Manufacturing effort underway with Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC).
Accelerating Additive Manufacturing
Funded a new additive manufacturing laboratory at the University of St. Thomas (UST) in Minnesota.
Launched a sustainability curriculum at UST that is currently being taught.
Scoped an effort, nearly underway, to shepherd a new AI software into GVSC that makes material determinations for advanced engineering applications, a high priority of AFC.
Pioneered a “franchise” model for development and commercialization of additive manufacturing techniques that is now ready to begin scaling
ABB Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Machine (WAAM)
LCA Policy Council
CCI co-hosted, with the Alliance for Vehicle Efficiency, the first Life Cycle Analysis Policy Council. Bringing together industry and regulatory leaders to chart the course on sound, effective life cycle analysis policies and actions. Discussion topics:
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This work has progressed to the creation of the LCA Policy Council, created to lead the discussion of Lifecycle Analysis Policy and Regulations
Policy and regulations centered around Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in transportation and manufacturing will help to provide a sustainable and mutually beneficial framework for reducing emissions, increasing investments in new technology, and re-stimulating growth in the job market. Focusing on the overall carbon footprint of industry will better position regulators and the market to evaluate the long-term environmental impact of options, and plan for a sustainable economic and environmental future.
The goal of environmental policy and carbon management strategy is clean air and the elimination of pollutants, we must adjust and track our actions to that goal. Energy demand will continue to grow globally, and there is no single current source that will provide the energy needed. Rising global energy consumption will impact efforts to de-carbonize any economy, and countries will increase their population’s access to affordable energy through the most cost-efficient way. The outlook for energy use for transportation shows continued high use of liquid hydrocarbons for fuel, with steady but minimal growth in the electric vehicle market.
The Future of Transportation Fuels Symposium, hosted by Comprehensive Carbon Impact (CCI) helped bring together stakeholders from industry, regulatory, and policy arenas who all work on environmental fuel concerns in the transportation industry.
The speakers and panelists covered a range of topics all with the recognition that we face an existential challenge with regard to transportation and sustainability, and there is a need to move faster to implement both near-term and long-term solutions that will have a positive impact. Furthermore, there was agreement that the work needs to continue across all transportation segments to make a meaningful difference, and finally that these technologies must be cost-effective in order to see broad adoption and implementation.