by cidaut | Jun 20, 2017 | Sin categoría
Boecillo (Valladolid, Spain), June 13 2017
CIDAUT Foundation, in conjunction with the chemical giant and global automotive supplier BASF, presented on June 13 their last capabilities and solutions to meet the new challenges posed by new mobility systems. The solutions shown were plentiful and opened a wide variety of alternatives.
The Workshop, celebrated at CIDAUT’s premises in Boecillo Technological Park (Valladolid, Spain), was attended by more than 100 people, mainly technical product managers and technicians and professionals from the main companies of Castilla y Leon´s automotive sector. In this way, car manufacturers as Renault España or Nissan Motor Manufacturing and automotive suppliers as Grupo Antolin, Faurecia, Flex-N-Gate, Gestamp, IAC Group, Reiner, Reydel Automotive, ZF-TRW, Repsol, Casple, Treves, Safran engineering, Vulcanizados Álvarez, Grupo Ubiplast, Grudem, etc. were fully represented.
The technical workshop was chaired by the president of CIDAUT Foundation, Mr. José Oliveri Gandarillas, and by the BASF Commercial Manager Mrs. Katarzyna Byczkowska. During the workshop, representatives from BASF´s QEHS Product Stewardship Division, Performance Materials – Engineering Plastics Division, Performance Materials – Polyurethane Systems Division, Performance Materials – TPU Division, Dispersions Division, and Coatings Division explained about: “Sustainability applied to automotive product”; “Electronic and electrical systems; Ultramid® Advanced N plastics for sophisticated components and applications”, “Polyurethane in Automotive sector: acoustic advanced applications, and new used of Cellasto® foams”; “Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) in automotive sector”; “New development and applications of BASF´s Acrodur® for composite in automotive sectors”, and “Presentation of the new BASF’s iGloss® clearcoat technology”.
In the second block, Mr. Javier Romo, R&D Project Manager of CIDAUT Foundation, explained about the vision of this Research Centre related to new materials and processes applied to the vehicles of the future. On this concept, Javier Romo delved into several European research projects carried out by CIDAUT in collaboration with other partners (significant companies of automotive sector and other research centers). Such is the case of e-LIGHT Project (Advanced Structural Light-Weight Architectures for Electric Vehicles), URBAN-EV project (Super Light Architectures for Safe and Affordable Urban Electric Vehicles), or PLUS-MOBY Project (Premium Low weight Urban Sustainable e-MOBilitY), in which different materials are combined to achieve superior performance in terms of strength, weight, and volume utilization. Finally, Mr. Raúl García Esparza from the Spanish Center for Technological and Industrial Development (CDTI) informed about its programs to support R&D initiatives inside automotive sector. The event was closed by the assistant deputy of the national government in Valladolid Mr. Luis Antonio Gómez Iglesias.
In addition, the conference featured a wide exhibition area in which CIDAUT and BASF showed some of their solutions and products explained during the different sessions of the Workshop. In this way, more than 50 plastic solutions both automotive sector than aeronautics sector were shown. By way of example, some of the solutions exhibited were: a grille open reinforcement 2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (first to market resistant implant-welded, closed-section composite structure); innovative snow chains based in different BASF´s elastollan® product; a front bearing of VW Golf VII manufactured in PA6-GF40 (BASF´s Ultramid B®); BMW i3 seat with backrest in polyamide (PA BASF´s Ultramid®) and integral structural part for carbon body (PBT); Daimler´s rare axle transmission crossbeam manufactured in PA66-GF50; a VOLVO´s Engine Cover manufactured in PU (Polyurethane); a PSA´s injection pump cover manufactured in BASF´s Elastollan® C85A15HPM + PA6 40%GF; a VW´s door handle in different materials; a roll bars protector; a Land Rover´s, Audi´s and PSA´s shift levers manufactured in different materials,; a Ford´s steering wheel manufactured in BASF´s PU/ESA Elastofoam® I; a VW Golf VI´s central console manufactured in TPU/ESA; an AUDI´s cockpit manufactured in BASF´s PU/ESA Elastoflex®; a Citroën C4 Cactus´s rear tailgate cover manufactured in polyester-polyurethane elastomer (BASF´s Elastollan AC 55D10 HPM), etc.
One of the powerful solutions shown was a leading edge of Airbus A320 development by CIDAUT in epoxy RTM6 + satin 5 using a RTM technology in a closed mould, as well as a BASF´s concept of electric velocipede called ‘concept 1865’. This e-velocipede counts with 24 different polymer applications, such as bearingless all-plastic pedals made of “ultrason®” and puncture-proof tires made of “infinergy®” (a closed cell expanded thermoplastic polyurethane).
BASF´s concept 1865 electric velocipede
It was also very interesting to display Cidaut´s innovative “hybrid IP beam concepts” for automotive sector manufactured in different materials: metal and PA30%GF using a press-on-metal technique; PP30%GF + TEPEX using an injection technology over structural thermoplastic (TEPEX); frames Airbus A400M also manufactured by CIDAUT in epoxy RTM6 + satin 5 using a RTM technology in a closed mold; aesthetic pieces of vehicle interior parts with different vegetal fiber contents (PP-PE + sisal fiber) and colours; door panel´s baguettes manufactured in PP-PE using a direct monochrome film injection process with 150 micron thickness; a fuel tank manhole cover of Airbus A-380 manufactured in Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) reinforced by carbon fiber (PEEK 30%CF). This is an external non-structural part for which the critical issues were weight, chemical resistance and fuel resistance, which represents the largest piece ever manufactured in those materials.
Some CIDAUT´ solutions (Left: leading edge of Airbus A320. Right: A380 HTP Manhole Cover); aesthetic pieces PP-PE + sisal fiber; frames Airbus A400M; A380 HTP Manhole Cover made of PEEK30%CF) were also part of the showroom.
by cidaut | Jun 20, 2017 | Sin categoría
The Hyacinth project comes to an end with two workshops in Spain where CIDAUT participated very actively.
More than 50 people participated in the first of the workshops held on 9th May at the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (Madrid): “What does Europe think about hydrogen technologies and fuel cells?” The event, organized by Hydrogen National Centre (CNH2-Hyacinth coordinator), the Spanish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform (PTE HPC) and Hydrogen Association (AeH2) presented to the audience the main results of the HYACINTH project whose objective is to gain a better knowledge of the social acceptance of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and of two applications (stationary and transport) at European level.
The workshop began with a welcome to the audience from CNH2 and a short explanation by the PTE HPC representative who explained to the audience the objectives, organization and activities that the PTE HPC develops.
Mr. Daniel Sopeña (CIDAUT) presented to the audience the comparative cross-country analysis of the policies and projects developed in recent years. Mr. Christian Oltra (CIEMAT CISOT) explained the methodology followed in the project, as well as the results of the report on the public acceptance of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and Mrs. María Jaen (CNH2) the results of the report on the stakeholders acceptance.
One of the most expected moments of workshop came when Mr. Adrian Morris (from the University of Sunderland-UK) showed case studies of the toolbox developed within the project with the aim of providing practical information to manufacturers and developers of hydrogen technologies and fuel cells. This toolbox provides them information regarding the opinion of 7,000 respondents among the general public of 7 European countries and 250 respondents among business interest groups, the scientific community and public administrations In 5 European countries.
The tool shows results organized according to key issues within the framework of technology acceptance (such as Knowledge and Experience, Confidence, Costs, Risks and Benefits, Consequences of its implementation, Attitude or Initial Acceptance.
The second workshop of the Hyacinth project in Spain took place on 31st May at CIDAUT’s facilities (Boecillo). On this occasion, CIDAUT hosted the conference organized jointly with the CNH2 and titled: “Acceptance of Hydrogen Technologies and Fuel Cells in Europe. Impact in Castilla y León”.
On this workshop, in addition to presenting the results regarding the acceptance studies carried out in the Hyacinth project by CIDAUT and CNH2, there was a remote online presence of Mr. Adrian Morris who showed the developed toolbox to all the assistants. Besides, the most interesting part of the day was the fact of bringing together those authorities and local entities of Castilla y León related to Hydrogen and Fuel Cell technologies. The event was attended by personnel from the Development Agency of Castilla y León (ADE), the Regional Energy Agency (EREN), the Municipal Energy Agency of Valladolid (AEMVA), the University of Valladolid (UVA), as well as several companies related to the automotive industry.
In conclusion, this workshop achieved the main objectives of the day: disseminate Hyacinth results and communicate and discuss with the most important entities interested in boosting the development of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell technologies in the region of Castilla y León.
Hyacinth Project information is available in www.hyacinthproject.eu and the toolbox can be accessed through https://hyacinth.sunderland.ac.uk.
by cidaut | Jun 20, 2017 | Sin categoría
The aim of the workshop was to provide practical information on the overall functioning of this European initiative to support transnational cooperative R&D on automotive sector (Clean Sky 2), in particular the 6th call for proposals.
Clean Sky is the largest European research programme developing innovative, cutting-edge technology aimed at reducing CO2, gas emissions and noise levels produced by aircraft. Funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme, Clean Sky contributes to strengthening European aero-industry collaboration, global leadership and competitiveness. This 6th Clean Sky call for proposals is the biggest Call ever launched by Clean Sky 2: 74 topics with a funding of 68.8M€. The deadline is 21 June 2017.
In this Workshop, CIDAUT Foundation exposed its experience in Clean sky programme. Inside the aeronautics sector, CIDAUT Foundation has a long tradition working for leading companies in programmes for the development of components and structures for commercial and military airplanes, focusing on those projects that involve the introduction of new materials or processing technologies. Cidaut Foundation´s offer moves around three concepts: Development Engineering, Advanced Engineering, and Prototyping and Manufacturing.
During the workshop, CIDAUT Foundation deepened its experience in some of the most representative projects, which this technological center has carried about, both on its own and in combination with other partners. In particular, the Cidaut’s representative addressed on those projects financed under the Clean Sky programme:
- PLIT Project. Development of advanced Liquid Infusion Technology for regional wing panels structure: numerical simulation of the process and validation through an innovative test bench.
- NEMESIS Project. New trends and market survey for the end of the life of aircrafts. Eco design guideline.
- REMART Project. Recycling of metallic materials from rotocraft transmissions.
- ACID Project. Advanced composite integrated skin panel structural testing.
- Project. Development of an innovative welding process for the rapid assembly of thermoplastic brackets to thermoset-matrix composite structures.
- ACCUBLADE Project. Low cost design approach through simulations and manufacture of new mould concepts for very high tolerance composite components.
- ALMAGIC Project. Aluminium and Magnesium Alloys Green Innovative Coatings.
by cidaut | Jun 20, 2017 | Sin categoría
The preliminary results from the 3 year naturalistic driving project have been presented at the UDRIVE final event – the UDRIVE Experience – which took place on 7 June 2017 in the Hague, the Netherlands. Around 100 participants attended the final event and participated in the interesting rotating sessions covering different naturalistic driving topics such as risky driving, distraction, cyclists and pedestrians, eco-driving, motorists and trucks. Cidaut was present as the motorcycle Operation Site and doing the vehicle demonstrator for the motorcycles. Two UDRIVE equipped vehicles – a motorcycle and a car – showed the participants the UDRIVE Data Acquisition System (DAS) and how is it integrated in the vehicles.
UDRIVE Data Collection
The data was collected during the European research project UDRIVE. In 6 different European countries, lorries, passenger cars and motorcycles were equipped with measuring equipment and cameras. The vehicles and their drivers have been “followed” for 2 years in daily use.
Efficient driving
The UDRIVE research also looked at the different driving styles. This showed that the so-called ‘ecodriving’ within the built-up can lead to 25% less fuel consumption and emissions.
Database
The UDRIVE project has provided a comprehensive database of data about everyday rides and how drivers behave during those rides. In total, nearly 90,000 hours of driving data were collected from almost 300 drivers. The vehicle includes, among others, cameras outside and inside, and a smart camera that recognizes and locates other road users, and, for example, calculates the distance to a driver or a cyclist approaching.
“This is the big difference with an experimental environment, or a rhythm simulator research,” says UDRIVE project coordinator Nicole van Nes. “After a week, the majority of participants in the research have lost the idea of being filmed, and one can see the ‘natural driving behavior. Therefore this method is also called naturalistic driving. With this method, we get a better picture of actual behavior in daily traffic than with questionnaires or driving simulator research. “
UDRIVE final results and highlights will be published soon on www.udrive.eu. Keep an eye on the website in the upcoming weeks.
by cidaut | Apr 12, 2017 | Sin categoría
The Aachen Body Engineering Days (ABED), which took place on the 20-21st of September in the facilities of the ALIVE partner IKA, at the RWTH Aaachen University, became the platform to present the final results of ALIVE and ENLIGHT, being the flagship R&D projects funded by the EC in the domain of vehicle lightweighting. A workshop on the 22nd of September and a booth with the demonstrators was dedicated to the SEAM cluster projects. ALIVE demonstrators were showcased in this event, which was a success, counting on the presence of more than 100 attendees during the conferences who generated interesting debates related to project results. Different dissemination audiences targeted in the project also did attend and contribute to the event, including policymakers (European Commission Project Officer Mr. Maurizio Maggiore) and external industrial and research peers form the wider lightweight community. The final plenary session was also wrapped up with specific guidelines and recommendations towards future policy making and follow-up R&D initiatives in the field.
During this project CIDAUT has developed an innovative magnesium casting methodology, its control an application to automotive components, which was demonstrated in this project by prototyping a component on the roof (roof node). Magnesium is currently the focus of the Remaghic project were the high pressure die casting is featured as the manufacturing process, and recycling of magnesium and rare earths, and alloying both recycled sources to form a better and cost effective alloy is being carried out. After the ALIVE experience, we will be looking forward to new collaborations opportunities to increase magnesium utilization in the industry.
