Dr. Greg Rohrauer, an assistant professor with the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at UOIT, will act as the project leader on a team with two additional professors from the University of Waterloo, one from the University of Windsor and one from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Veridian Connections and Siemens Canada are also collaborating in the research.

The team’s project, Hybrid Active Safety Systems and Grid Interfacing, will develop innovative systems, making hybrid vehicles simultaneously safer and more environmentally friendly through integration of drivetrain technologies and systems that complement each other. The major focus of the research group is the development of a hybrid electric vehicle that effectively uses off-peak power to recharge its on-board batteries and has built-in communications capabilities for that purpose. This is critically important as the number of hybrid vehicles on the road increases, placing a greater demand on the energy grid.

“I’m very pleased and thankful that our research team has been recognized with this significant award to continue our efforts in this critical area,” said Dr. Rohrauer. “This work has the great potential to make a significant impact on the ability to produce hybrid vehicles that further meet the demands of motorists while increasingly minimizing their impact on the environment.”

The proposal calls for continued design, development and assessment of a hybrid vehicle test bed. Such a vehicle will allow researchers and their graduate students to explore and gauge a hands-on experience with a hybrid drivetrain. This is an especially important factor given the current state of soaring fuel costs, as hybrid vehicles significantly reduce fuel consumption.

The importance of hybrid vehicle technology and research to the future of the North American automotive market has increased substantially in recent years. Nearly every major manufacturer has developed a hybrid vehicle or is in the planning stages of adding one to their fleet. In addition to minimizing fuel consumption, hybrid vehicles in turn diminish both operating costs and emissions.

“The funding for this research project signifies another milestone in UOIT’s rapidly growing reputation for its commitment to research excellence that impacts society,” said Dr. Kamiel Gabriel, associate provost, Research. “Along with the anticipated opening of the General Motors of Canada Automotive Centre of Excellence at UOIT in 2009, this innovative research project will also play a role in strengthening Canada’s standing as a leader in the in the area of automotive engineering and manufacturing."

Since joining the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science as an assistant professor at UOIT in 2005, Dr. Rohrauer has been named academic director for the General Motors of Canada Automotive Centre of Excellence, a state-of-the-art research and development facility. It will include Canada’s largest climatic wind tunnel. He obtained both his Bachelor’s degree and a PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University, and a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Dawson College.

In addition to the development of alternate fuel and hybrid vehicles, Dr. Rohrauer’s other research specialties include advanced composite materials; analysis and design of composite pressure vessels; materials testing; and vehicle dynamics, manufacturing technology and application.