Johnson Controls is partnering with Lawrence Technological University in Southfield to test and develop advanced battery systems in an effort to help automakers increase vehicle mileage and reduce gas emissions.
“The work we are doing with Lawrence Tech is important because we can develop, optimize, and validate battery systems inside the complete vehicle environment to meet our customers’ future needs,” says MaryAnn Wright, vice president of engineering and product development for Johnson Controls Power Solutions, which has extensive operations in Plymouth Township.
Johnson Controls will work with the university’s engineering systems lab, which includes a dynamometer, to test its recently announced 12-volt Lithium-ion battery. The automotive supplier says the battery, which has been tested using a prototype start-stop engine, will reduce emissions by 5 to 8 percent.
The partnership, which began last year, works to develop engineers by teaming Lawrence Tech students with university faculty and Johnson Controls technical experts.
“The partnership with Johnson Controls is part of a broader effort by Lawrence Tech to respond proactively with innovative academic research programs to the needs of our corporate partners and students,” says Virinder Moudgil, president of Lawrence Technological University.
