EATON REACHES AGREEMENT TO STRENGTHEN INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA
Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with South China University of Technology (SCUT) to sponsor its research programs as well as foster Eaton’s technology advancement. She will collaborate with SCUT on the research and development of mechanical, electrical and, most importantly, transportation engineering, which focuses on Eaton’s industry-leading hybrid power systems for commercial vehicles.
As part of the new partnership, Eaton, SCUT and Guangzhou Yiqi Bus Company have launched a joint research program on oil consumption and emission test of hybrid buses on the road of Guangzhou. Eaton formally introduced its first commercially available electric hybrid power system in China earlier this year with Guangzhou Yiqi Bus. The delivery of nearly 240 city buses will be the largest placement of hybrid powered buses in China once deployed.
Under the research agreement, SCUT will take major responsibility for performance testing of Eaton’s hybrid power system to improve its capability. Eaton will provide funding for the research and technical assistance for maintenance of the hybrid system, while Guangzhou Yiqi will provide buses, drivers and maintenance technical staff for the research project.
The new agreement with SCUT adds a new dimension to Eaton’s portfolio of ongoing academic cooperation announced during 2007 with Zhejiang University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Xi’an Jiaotong University, as well as two new partnerships with Shanghai Jiaotong University and Harbin Institute of Technology announced recently.
Eaton is the only hybrid system developer that has both hybrid electric and hybrid hydraulic systems for commercial vehicles in real world use since 2000. Eaton claims that its hybrid power technology decreases emissions dramatically by up to 90% and fuel consumption by over 40%.