article thumbnail

NREL, MIT, WSU team develops process to convert lignin to aromatic blendstock for 100% sustainable aviation fuel

Green Car Congress

Other parts of plants are used for biofuels, but lignin has been largely overlooked because of the difficulties in breaking it down chemically and converting it into useful products. Because of its recalcitrance, lignin is typically burned for heat and power or used only in low-value applications.

MIT 195
article thumbnail

GM progressing on next-generation Ultium Li-metal battery; new joint development agreement with SES

Green Car Congress

At a Washington Post Live virtual conference, General Motors President Mark Reuss provided more details about GM’s next-generation Ultium lithium metal battery and announced a joint development agreement with lithium metal battery innovator SES (formerly known as SolidEnergy Systems) ( earlier post ).

GM 394
article thumbnail

MIT researchers conclude fundamental changes in the US energy-innovation system are needed to meet challenges of climate change and energy supply

Green Car Congress

A three-year study by a team of researchers based at MIT has concluded that fundamental changes are needed in the US energy-innovation system. The study was carried out at the MIT Industrial Performance Center and involved faculty and students from nine MIT departments. Business as usual is unsustainable over the long run.

article thumbnail

Video Friday: TurtleBot 4

Cars That Think

Clearpath ] Cognitive Pilot's autonomous tech is now being integrated into production Kirovets K-7M tractors, and they've got big plans: "The third phase of the project envisages a fully self-driving tractor control mode without the need for human involvement. ROAM Lab ] The AirLab at CMU has been hosting an excellent series on SLAM.

MIT 133
article thumbnail

MIT Report Outlines System-Oriented Coordinated Polices for Reduction in Light-Duty Vehicle Petroleum Use and Emissions

Green Car Congress

A new MIT report outlines a system-oriented set of coordinated policies to help the light-duty vehicle sector reduce petroleum-based consumption and its accompanying global warming emissions. For policymakers in Washington, taking a systems view is difficult because of the politics involved.

MIT 199
article thumbnail

Founder of MIT’s Microsystems Technology Labs Dies at 88

Cars That Think

Founder of MIT's Microsystems Technology Labs. Penfield's academic career at MIT spanned 45 years. After joining MIT as a professor in 1960, he moved up the ranks and served as associate head of the electrical engineering and computer science department from 1974 to 1978. He also established MIT's master's degree in engineering.

MIT 87
article thumbnail

AC Kinetics to showcase next-generation motor control software at ARPA-E Summit; 10-40% reduction in energy consumption and improved performance

Green Car Congress

will introduce its next-generation motor control technology at the upcoming ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C., The AC Kinetics drive algorithms can be integrated seamlessly with AC drive products currently available from major manufacturers. The testing was completed and published by MIT in May 2012.

Motor 278