The 2009 Alternative Energy Technology Transfer Forum presented ongoing research and results from seven projects at three universities and two corporations. The Michigan-Ohio University Transportation Center (MIOH-UTC) and Next Energy sponsored the forum.  See the MIOH-UTC web site.

The event covered research including:

• the chemistry, additives, sources, stability and emissions of biodiesel fuels and understanding the pollution caused by buses
• exhaust after treatment NOx reduction additive function and handling
• hydraulic hybrid development and applications
• modules to teach hydraulic hybrid technology

Says Leo Hanifin, dean of UDM's College of Engineering & Science and director of the MIOH-UTC, "Results of this research promise to unlock and deliver more of the enormous potential of alternative and renewable energy that is so important to our region's economic vitality and our nation's energy independence."

He adds that the event and presentations are outcomes of the collaboration of industry, government and academia occurring in Southeastern Michigan at NextEnergy and the MIOH-UTC.

Presenters included UDM's Professor of Mechanical Engineering Mark Schumack and UDM Engineering graduate student Sujay Bodke. They discussed use of the hydraulic hybrid vehicle laboratory to improve the teaching of engineering fundamentals and to attract young engineers to work on alternative energy and power-conversion systems.

The U.S. and Michigan Departments of Transportation provided support for the event, which was free for attendees. Approximately 50 people attended the forum.