ATP-funded flow-control machining (FCM) technology can help achieve
new environmental standards for small engines more cost effectively
than with use of conventional technologies.
Project History
In its 1995 General Competition, the Advanced Technology Program
funded the Flow-Control Machining Project, a four-year $7.9 million
research joint venture involving Extrude Hone Corporation (a
small company in Irwin, PA), General Motors, the University of
Pittsburgh, and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Originally aimed at large automotive engine applications, the
Flow-Control Machining (FCM) advances the state-of-the-art in
manufacturing finishing by allowing manufacturers to more effectively
fabricate parts for their intended functional performance. Its
use of neural-network algorithms, process control methods, and
new abrading techniques are economically compatible with high-volume,
relatively low-value engines as well as automobile engines.
Environmental Benefits
The EPA has found that non-road engines contribute significantly
to pollution. New EPA regulations require a 59% reduction in
small-engine emissions by 2007, affecting most lawnmower engines
currently available in the marketplace. FCM technology can assist
in achieving compliance at a lower cost than conventional emissions-improving
technologies.
Economic Case Study
Using a benefit-cost, cash flow analysis technique, and an established
macroeconomic model, this case study demonstrates the economic
advantage of the FCM technology over conventional technologies
for small and large side-valve lawnmower engines. Although EPA
regulation may have a negative impact on GDP, the use of the
FCM technology rather than conventional technology may reduce
the loss to GDP.
- Use of FCM for small, side-valve lawnmower engines can save
$261 million in GDP and $244 million in personal income over
the three years 2007 to 2009.
- Use of FCM for large, side-valve lawnmower engines can save
$982 million in GDP and $878 million in personal income over
the five years 2003 to 2007.
- Using FCM for large, side-valve engines can recover about
93% of the GDP losses associated with using conventional
technologies to address EPA regulations.
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1Recently published ATP contractor study by Brown and Ehlen, Technology
Adoption Indicators Applied to the ATP Flow-control Machining
Project, NISTIR 6888, May 2003.
Factsheet 1.B7 (June 2003 by Jeanne Powell) |
