North Carolina State University is planning a facility on Centennial Campus that will be geared for research on Plug-In Electric Automobiles. The new building will be located next to the Semiconductor Power Electronics Center (SPEC), and like many facilities on NCSU’s cutting-edge technopolis, this one will be a public/private venture. Progress Energy and Duke Energy have already pledged support in funding for the project as well as the development and management of a system of charging stations. (Want fries with that battery?)
Research at the new facility will cover the development of an infrastructure for the operation of plug-in automobiles, energy sources and management of the system, and improvements and development of gasoline-independent batteries.
The cost-effectiveness and efficiency of batteries is a primary concern and potential barrier to the feasibility of these automobiles. Plug-in cars are typically grouped by range; 40 mile, 100 mile, etc. Charging stations would likely function primarily in battery exchange—a transaction much like the propane tank for your gas grill.
NC State’s SPEC, who will be the next-door neighbor, researches “power generation and management, including power semiconductor devices, power management microsystems, utility power electronics and electric power systems.“
Welcome to New Raleigh. We welcome your participation in the ongoing discussion. Before posting we ask that you read our Comment Policy and we invite you to register with our site. If you want to keep up with the news on our blog, subscribe to the RSS feed or get emailed every time we post.