Dr. Robert D. Strattan, P.E.

4795 S Hudson Pl
Tulsa, OK 74135
(918) 663-9484
r.strattan@ieee.org

1. Progress and Status of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

During the past decade the gasoline-electric automobile has moved from an experimental alternative to the total electric vehicle to a highly fuel efficient - low emission automotive product available in the marketplace. Two manufacturers, Honda and Toyota, have sold over 150,000 worldwide and 30,000 in USA. The University of Tulsa's engineering students are building their third generation HEV. The first two generations have competed in national completions, with the ParaDyne recently recording its second win in five years in the Prototype HEV class at the Tour de Sol. Dr. Strattan's personal Toyota Prius HEV also won the Production HEV class at this year's Tour de Sol. The presentation will describe the objectives and characteristics of HEVs, the student's Hurricane Motor Works projects, experiences with a daily driver HEV, and what lies in the future as electrical driveline components become more integrated into our automobiles. An open house to view the HEVs will be available after the meeting and dinner.

2. Update on Alternate Fuel and Hybrid Vehicles

The adoption of electric hybrid power trains into production automobiles and commercial vehicles is continuing. Toyota and Honda have been selling gasoline-electric hybrids for several years, and the U. S. manufacturers have plans for introducing mild hybrids in the next few years. Hybrid electric drives in transit buses are becoming more common. Alternate fuels, including hydrogen, alcohols, and bio-diesel are getting more attention and use. The University of Tulsa recently put their third generation hybrid-electric vehicle, the Proxima, on the road and into this year’s Tour de Sol competition event. The ParaDyne, there second generation HEV, used E-85 ethanol fuel in last year’s Tour de Sol competition. My personal Toyota Prius HEV repeated as the Production HEV champion at the Tour de Sol. This presentation will have an update on the developments on commercializing hybrid-electric drive trains in automobiles and commercial vehicles, a discussion of some of the trends in using renewable fuel alternatives to petroleum, and the recent developments at the University of Tulsa’s Hurricane Motor Works.

BIO

Robert Strattan is a Senior Life Member of the IEEE, Emeritus Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Tulsa, and currently Chair of the IEEE Tulsa Section. Robert. He has been a faculty co-advisor to the University’s hybrid electric vehicle project for 12 years. He has been driving a Toyota Prius HEV since October 2000. He has electrical engineering degrees from Wichita State University and Carnegie Mellon University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Oklahoma, life senior member of the IEEE and a member of other professional-technical societies including EST, SAE, ASEE, and OSPE- NSPE. He was the President of the Tulsa Engineering Foundation for 2000-1, and is currently the TEF Treasurer. He recently retired from 31 years of teaching and research at the University of Tulsa. He also has been active in the aerospace industry in research and development of stealth technology.