UC Merced's electrical engineering major only started a year ago. But it's already made some significant accomplishments and attracted researchers digging into exciting projects.
One of them is Professor Eric Cheng, who has done groundbreaking work developing electric and autonomous vehicles, and is known as "the father of the electric vehicle" in Hong Kong. In 2005 he played a pivotal role in technological development for the establishment of an EV company that was sold to a United States corporation in 2010.
The researcher also has been recognized for his work in anti-lock braking systems, active suspension systems and super capacitors.
Cheng was instrumental in developing an innovative solar-powered air-conditioning system for vehicles. Using photovoltaic technology and intelligent power control, the system switches a car's air conditioner to solar power when the gasoline engine shuts off.
"Drivers of minibuses or taxis can now switch off the engine but continue to stay cool while waiting for passengers at the station," Cheng told Asia Research News . "In fact, our system helps extend the air-conditioner operation for two more hours."
Among Cheng's latest projects is an ammonia-powered vehicle. He said there are numerous climate-friendly possibilities with such vehicles, which have zero carbon emissions and use a substance that otherwise might go to a landfill.
"Ammonia is a safe and stable source of power," he said.
Coming to UC Merced presented a unique opportunity for Cheng.
"With a new department, there's a much better opportunity to develop my technology here," he said.
Electrical engineering began as a major in response to the demands of a new workforce as technology evolves. Electricity is a vital part of everything from the electrical grid that brings reliable electricity to building to smart phones and of course new vehicles. Students in this major learn fundamentals of engineering and electricity while being introduced to real-world problems and opportunities.
Those opportunities are growing at a swift pace, and soon will include products ranging from rocket engines to medical devices. Other challenges - and potential jobs - include finding new ways to produce and store green energy and developing methods to transmit energy. Currently, 10% of all engineering degrees awarded in the United States are in the field of electrical engineering, and that number is only expected to grow.
"We cannot use today's thinking to think about the future job market," Cheng said. "This will be a major area of research for the next five to 50 years."
Though electric vehicles have entered the mainstream, it's only the beginning and Cheng said he is excited to be at a university that emphasizes developing this kind of technology.
"Right now, 3 percent of vehicles are EV," he said. "We need to push that to 50 percent in the next 10 to 20 years."
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