About APS LABS
The Advanced Power Systems Research Center is a multidisciplinary organization that fosters large, collaborative, cutting-edge
research efforts in the areas of clean, efficient, and sustainable Power Systems technologies.
The goal is developing the fundamental and applied knowledge required for the next
generation of low-emission, high-efficiency vehicles. The Center brings together and
coordinates researchers with expertise in and a passion for current and future automotive technologies.
Although APS LABS is a physical place, you might best know of it by its mobile, expandable
laboratory, which is pulled by a class 8-semi truck with a Detroit Diesel DD15 engine.
This behemoth vehicle, which serves as an on-the-road school, a lab, and a training
center truly exemplifies innovation on wheels.
Along with its research, APS LABS is both well-known and respected for offering customizable
on-site and online automotive courses, in 35 system and subsystem areas, which provide
people in the automotive industry with the fundamental competencies and skills they
need to keep pace with technology and upskill their careers. For several years now,
the expert team at APS has supplied the automotive industry with resources, outreach
services, training, and talent.
Current Short Courses
Diesel Engine Fundamentals
This 20-hour (2.5-day) non-credit, professional learning course is designed for students who want to gain foundational
knowledge in diesel engines. Its content is ideal for those who are interested in
pursuing a career in the automotive industry, commercial vehicles, power generation,
or related fields.
Students will learn through a combination of instructor-led lectures, lab lectures,
and demonstrations. Throughout, they will interact directly with the instructors and
other students. This course is offered both live/online and in-person (F2F).
Duration: TBA
Instructor (for contact): Vinicius Bonfochi Vinhaes
Instructional Team: Naber, Bonfochi Vinhaes, Ovist, and Worm
Modality: Live/Online (Synchronous) or Live/F2F
Cost: Live/Online ($750), Live/F2F ($950)
The course covers a wide range of topics, in the (approximate) following order:
- Fundamentals of diesel engine operation
- Performance metrics
- Fuel injection and spray
- Fuels, thermochemistry, and combustion
- Air systems, turbocharging, and EGR
- Energy balance and Heat transfer
- Diesel Aftertreatment
- Diesel engine simulation
- Advanced concepts and trends in diesel engines
Students will register through MTU's Techshop.
Upon registration, students will receive instructions on joining the lectures as well
as materials and resources necessary for completing the course.
This course is nonrefundable. Therefore, if you are unsure about whether this course is right for you, please contact
the course instructor, Vinicius Bonfochi Vinhaes (vbvinhae@mtu.edu); or the Associate Director of the APS Labs, Jeremy Worm (jjworm@mtu.edu).
Diesel Engine Management Systems, Emissions, and Aftertreatment
This 20-hour (2.5-day) non-credit, professional learning course is designed for students who want to gain deeper knowledge
in diesel engine management systems, emissions, and aftertreatment.
Its content is ideal for those who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive
industry, commercial vehicles, power generation, or related fields.
Students will learn through a combination of instructor-led lectures, lab lectures,
and demonstrations. Throughout, they will interact directly with the instructors and
other students. This course is offered both live/online and in-person (F2F).
Duration: TBA
Instructor (for contact): Vinicius Bonfochi Vinhaes
Instructional Team: Naber, Bonfochi Vinhaes, Ovist, and Worm
Modality: Live/Online (Synchronous) or Live/F2F
Cost: Live/Online ($750), Live/F2F ($950)
The course curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the following:
- Review of diesel engine operation and regulations
- Introduction to engine control
- Diesel engine actuators and sensors
- Load control, Start of injection, Rail Pressure, Turbo Control, and EGR
- Engine out emissions and aftertreatment
- Algorithms and Calibration
- OBD and Controller Communications
Students will register through MTU's Techshop.
Upon registration, they will receive instructions on joining the lectures as well
as materials and resources necessary for completing the course.
This course is nonrefundable. Therefore, if you are unsure about whether this course is right for you, please contact
the course instructor, Vinicius Bonfochi Vinhaes (vbvinhae@mtu.edu); or the Associate Director of the APS Labs, Jeremy Worm (jjworm@mtu.edu).
"Without the low operating costs, high efficiency, high reliability, and great durability
of diesel engines, it would have been impossible to reach the extent of globalization
that now defines the modern economy."Vaclav Smil
Instructors for All APS LABS Courses
The short courses at APS Labs are designed and taught by various seasoned instructors
with several decades of professional engineering experiences and up-to-date automotive
engineering and power systems training.
- Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor (Energy Systems), Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
- Director, Advanced Power Systems Research Center, Area Director, Energy-Thermo-Fluids (ETF)
- Pi Tau Sigma Faculty Advisor
- Research Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
- Research Engineer, Advanced Power Systems Research Center
- Director, Michigan Tech Mobile Lab
Vinicius Vinhaes
- Manager, Training and Curriculum Development for the Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC)
