63213 06FallWVUCEMR, page 1-40 @ Normalize - WVU College of ...

In Focus
Energy
Students Get Hands-on with
Alternative Fuels, Vehicles
With interest in alternative-fuel and advancedtechnology
vehicles growing, the demand for
specialized automotive technicians is increasing as
well. A pair of WVU engineering students is helping develop
training programs for this new breed of automotive technician
at the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium
(NAFTC).
NAFTC provides instruction in alternative-fuel and advancedtechnology
vehicles, including courses, workshops, and
educational events for technicians, students, and others.
Andrew Schmidt, a senior
mechanical engineering major,
and Matt DeLiso, a junior
mechanical and aerospace
engineering major, have
worked at NAFTC for the past
year, helping to create lab
displays and teaching aids,
developing curricula,
maintaining the organization’s
automotive shop, and helping
with preparation and teaching.
A highlight of the pair’s
experience took place in
November 2005 when NAFTC
was hired by the Miles Automotive Group to develop service
materials and training for the Miles ZX40, a new electricdrive,
zero-emissions neighborhood electric vehicle. Schmidt
and DeLiso helped develop a technician training course for
the Miles ZX40, worked with the vehicle in the shop, and
created a flash program for a new product orientation course.
“Andrew and Matt have added tremendously to our success,”
said NAFTC executive director Al Ebron. “We are grateful for
their help and proud to be providing real-world experience to
these automotive engineers of the future.”
Andrew Schmidt explains the water-washing process of
biodiesel production to an NAFTC training class. By adding
water, impurities are removed from the fuel as the water sinks
to the bottom of the processing unit.
A native of New Jersey, DeLiso has been involved with
alternative-fuels work for five years, including working on the
Challenge X vehicle competition, participating in the Eastern
Electric Vehicle Club, and serving as vice president of the
Formula Lightning Racing Program.
“Through all of these experiences and especially my work
with NAFTC, I have gained a great deal of knowledge about
alternative fuels and developed a better understanding of the
technologies involved,” said DeLiso.
Schmidt, a native of Ohio,
credits chemistry, physics,
electrical engineering, and
mechatronics courses with
preparing him for his work with
NAFTC.
“Working at NAFTC has helped
me apply concepts learned in
my classes to real-world
situations,” said Schmidt.
Both students plan to pursue
careers in the specialized
automotive field following
graduation.
NAFTC provides training courses and workshops on nearly
every facet of alternative fuels and emerging vehicle
technology. The organization is a national training resource,
made possible through an EPA Cooperative Agreement
spearheaded by U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd. The
organization also provides outreach and education events,
including National AFV Day Odyssey, the largest alternativefuels
awareness event ever held. A 2006 National AFV Day
Odyssey event will be held at WVU on October 12.
12
Fall 2006