Waterloo prof wins $200,000 NSERC innovation award

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) awarded University of Waterloo Professor John McPhee its $200,000 Synergy Award for Innovation. The industrial research chair in mathematics-based modelling and design, Dr. McPhee won the prize for his collaboration with Maplesoft and Toyota Canada on the model-based design and control of automotive systems using Maplesoft’s MapleSim modeling software.

According to the university, the collaboration resulted in several new discoveries. For example, McPhee’s use of linear graph theory for system modeling and its implementation in MapleSim allows engineers to model electric and hybrid electric vehicle powertrains and their components. As part of the system modeling, the Waterloo research team has developed new simulation models for automotive batteries, torque converters, suspensions and engines.

In working with powertrain experts at Toyota, McPhee has also developed new model-based controllers that improve vehicle safety and reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions with energy management systems that control the flow of power from engines and motors.

“The fresh insight gained through this integrated research has allowed us to set a global benchmark for this type of scientific approach,” said Ray Tanguay, chairman of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. “Increased production of green vehicles such as the hybrid Lexus will minimize harmful emissions and fuel consumption resulting in environmental benefits to Canada.”
www.uwaterloo.ca