Institution news
With this in mind, the Institution’s "Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems for Future Transport" conference in Birmingham once again brings together the international community of specialist engineers working in this field to share their recent studies and technical developments. Ahead of the conference, we caught up with speaker Ben Waters, who will be contributing to the conference agenda with their session “ Forecasting the Implications of Euro 7 on the Powertrain Supply Chain”.
Q: Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement and experience with regards to engines and/or powertrain systems.
Michael Southcott (MS): I am a Senior Technical Research Analyst at IHS Markit in the Supply Chain and Technology team within the Automotive division. My area of research is on powertrain and e-mobility component and technology demand, with specific focus at present given to turbochargers, fuel systems and emission hardware legislation.
Prior to working for IHS Markit, I was a development engineer for Ford Motor Company, working on diesel engine development, and before that a Systems Integration engineer for Delphi.
Q: What are the main engineering challenges facing the industry at the moment?
MS: The key challenge the industry is facing now is the wider push towards a zero emissions society, and more specifically the decisions as to which direction the industry should go in and how fast it should get there. Electrification is happening, but it is important to take a step back and assess what are the correct choices and pathways from a short, medium and long- term perspective.
Q: What key topics are you excited to discuss?
MS: I am excited to discuss the role the internal combustion engine still has to play in the industry, as well as tailpipe legislation around the world and how it is likely to impact the technology and strategies of OEMs and the supply chain.
Q: What developments are you most interested in for the future and why?
MS: I am particularly interested in low carbon fuels and the developments that are happening with them. With questions beginning to be raised about the total lifecycle emissions of electric cars, low carbon fuels could be vital in the years to come. I am also interested in new developments to hybrid powertrains, certainly in the short to medium term, the hybrid market will continue to grow, so innovations of how to combine new and existing technologies are always interesting to see.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
MS: I am excited to discuss the role the internal combustion engine still has to play in the industry, as well as tailpipe legislation around the world and how it is likely to impact the technology and strategies of OEMs and the supply chain.
With the level of change the transportation industry is undergoing, it is vital that the correct decisions are made. There are many elements to this, so it is vital that engineers developing the technology have their say. Important discussions need to take place, so conferences like this allow engineers the platform to showcase what they are doing and how this can help to shape the industry moving forward.
Internal Combustion Engines and Powertrain Systems for Future Transport takes place on 11-12 December 2019 in Birmingham.
The latest in the Institution’s series of conferences on engine and powertrain technologies, the December conference will bring together engineers from industry and academia across the world to share the latest technologies, research and industry trends.
Join to hear how your peers across the world are developing innovative solutions to improve powertrain efficiency while meeting future emissions requirements. Contributing organisations on this year’s agenda include Ford, JCB, MAHLE Powertrain, Ricardo, HORIBA MIRA, Concawe, Aramco, HIS Markit, University of Brighton, Brunel University and many more.
For full event details and to book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/icengines.