Kennesaw State hosted the director of the Strategic Energy Institute to showcase his research regarding electric cars and automotive processes on the Marietta campus on Thursday, Jan. 31.
Dr. Richard Simmons, who has worked in the automotive industry for two decades, provided a presentation to KSU on electric cars, hybrids, turbos, batteries and autonomous vehicles. The event was held in the Engineering Lab Building in room 235 by KSU students involved in the Association of Energy Engineers.
The main focuses of his research included sustainable development and meeting the planet’s energy demands, alternative fuels and intelligent systems, policy standards in regard to fuel and renewable fuel, energy density and the functions of turbo systems.
After displaying numerous charts and graphs that compared conventional gas vehicles with hybrid and electronic vehicles, Simmons concluded by stating that the future of electronic vehicle research will focus on new storage capabilities, optimization of power sources and low-cost infrastructures.
“We had a great turnout and a very diverse audience from all different majors and all different ages,” Simmons said. “You can see the topic strikes a chord of interest, and I just felt like with some of the responses and questions and personal introductions that it was very gratifying to be here, and I hope to do it again.”
The event was hosted by multiple AEE officers including Secretary Addie Thornton.
“I enjoy being able to be a part of events that will educate our members and kind of give them an added experience to whatever their major is,” Thornton said. “After reviewing the research, I felt that it definitely put into perspective some of the new ideas that are moving around.”
Simmons said that he began his research when automotive companies were struggling to fund research and development. After his attempts at advocating energy policy in Washington, Simmons realized that more scientists needed to communicate automotive research and development issues to the public. This prompted Simmons to obtain his doctorate degree mid-career and focus on bringing about more information in the automotive field.
“I think the research has tremendous benefits in terms of how we can educate the sponsors and agencies that fund vehicle research whether that’s at the state or federal level or large companies,” Simmons said. “We’re trying to explain why this research is so important to national security, the environment and these other drivers.”
Simmons said that additional research events, including material such as what he covered in the curriculum, can help KSU have a more active role in automotive awareness and educational aspects.
According to OwlLife, AAE focuses on providing presentations from industry professionals to showcase various energy efficiency and sustainability topics relating to renewable energy.
