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.”
Your Comment