A COMPARISON OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORPORATE SUCCESS: A LOOK AT ENGINEERING ETHICS

Transcription

1 Vidic 2:00 R-10 A COMPARISON OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORPORATE SUCCESS: A LOOK AT ENGINEERING ETHICS Benjamin Bush (bdb32@pitt.edu) A NEW CHEVY VEHICLE FEATURES AN UNSAFE BATTERY As an engineer, following a strict code of ethics is of paramount importance. Such codes guide engineers to make proper decisions within their profession. I bear no exception as an engineer myself. I am a mechanical engineer employed by Chevrolet, in charge of the propulsion system on the Chevrolet Volt MPV 5 plug-in hybrid electric SUV project. After many years of research and development, our project has finally reached production. While I am tremendously pleased with the final product, I fear that the management made some questionable ethical decisions regarding the manufacturing of the Volt MPV 5. Chevy executives acted to cut the cost of the battery s production by removing some of the safety systems that help to ensure optimal safety and performance of the battery. The vehicle specifications set by the engineering team no longer apply to the vehicle because of the manufacturing techniques of the battery. The actions of Chevrolet have larger implications, ranging from lessened performance to putting consumers in danger if malfunctions occur in their vehicles. As both a member of this project and a professional, I am obligated to attend to this issue and see that an ethical solution be forged in order to ensure the wellbeing of consumers while maintaining the best interest of my employer. Following the codes of ethics for my profession will help me to create such a solution. UNDERSTANDING ENGINEERING CODES OF ETHICS Societies such as the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) have strict standards of ethics that engineers and mechanical engineers respectively must follow within their professions. As a mechanical engineer myself, I must keep both codes in mind while I weigh the situation involving Chevrolet s production of the Volt MPV 5 and its battery. By removing key safety components of the Volt s battery, consumers of the product are immediately put in potential danger. The National Society of Professional Engineers code of ethics requires engineers to make the safety, health, and welfare of the public of the utmost importance [1]. On the other hand, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers states that engineers are to perform as faithful agents or trustees to their employer(s) [2]. As an employee of Chevrolet, I must be faithful to my company, but as an engineer in general I must also act for the wellbeing of the public (consumers). This complicates my decision making process greatly. Which of my duties trumps the other? Do I stay loyal to my employer or do I look out for the safety of the public? As an engineer I have already created and approved only the engineering plans that meet the strictest safety and performance standards [1]. Within my role in developing this product I have fulfilled my duties, but do my responsibilities as a professional engineer extend beyond my role in the company? If so, what can I do? Who do I report this problem to if the authorities of the company are the ones making the possibly unethical calls? To solve this problem I must define my role as an engineer and explain why the battery is so crucial to this vehicle. HYBRID TECHNOLOGY AND THE VOLT MPV 5 The Chevrolet Volt MPV 5 is what is known as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Today s hybrid vehicle are dependent upon two energy sources: electricity and gasoline. Within this category of vehicles, there are three varieties. The first is a series hybrid design. Such vehicles are powered directly by an electric motor, with power coming from an onboard battery system. A gasoline generator produces electricity to charge the battery and thus power the motor. The efficiency is predominantly due to regenerative braking, in which the energy dispended while braking is returned to charge the battery [3]. The second species of hybrid cars are called parallel hybrids. These function much like a series system (in which a generator recharges the battery), but the transmission can be powered via either an electric motor or a standard internal combustion engine. This engine does not charge the battery, however [3]. Essentially a parallel hybrid can function as either a series hybrid or a standard automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. The third technology consists of plug-in hybrid automobiles, which depend almost exclusively on their batteries. The Volt MPV 5 is such a hybrid. Owners charge its battery by plugging their vehicle into either a 120 volt standard wall outlet or a 220 volt line, taking 8 and 4 hours respectively to reach a full charge [4]. The Volt MPV 5 will run solely on its battery after charging within a range of 32 miles [4]. Once the electrical supply has been depleted, plug-ins also referred to as extended range will assume the function of a standard hybrid system. Powering a 150 horse-power electric motor running at 370 foot-pounds of torque, the Volt MPV 5 features a 16 kwh lithium ion battery similar to that the Chevrolet Volt sedan [4]. When running on solely electricity, the Volt sedan gets an equivalent of 98 miles per gallon of gasoline according to the EPA and a range of 38 miles [3], at 84 horse power and 93 foot-pounds of torque [5]. Sporting a larger wheel base and University of Pittsburgh, Swanson School of Engineering

2 greater weight than the sedan model, the Volt MPV 5 is engineered to get the most power possible without sacrificing driving range. This class of plug-in hybrids is the closest of all hybrid vehicle varieties to pure electric vehicles. Currently the drawback to hybrid technology is the shortcomings of the battery itself. The Restrictions of Lithium Ion Batteries The abilities of today s hybrid and electric vehicles are severely inhibited by the capabilities of current battery technologies. The standard for electric vehicles are lithium ion batteries. They offer the highest energy density; this means that they provide the most optimized ratio of electrical storage capacity to their relatively light weight and compact design at least compared with other current technologies. Costing around $600 per kilowatt hour, lithium ion batteries are expensive relative to their capacity [6]. Lithium is far rarer than other elements and resources are quickly dwindling, for lithium is used in all cell phone and laptop batteries in addition to hybrid vehicle batteries [7]. This means the Volt MPV 5 s 16 kwh battery costs around $9,600 to produce. Nonetheless, as our research into lithium ion batteries continues, such batteries are expected to drop to $200 per kwh [8]. This reduction in cost will be in part due to the scale of production and the efficiency of new cathodes and anodes major components in the cells of batteries. Such improvements to these components will increase voltage from 3.6 to 4.2 volts per cell, therefore increasing the energy density of a battery by 17% [3]. In the future, subsequent models of both the Volt sedan and the Volt MPV 5 will be equipped for greater power and increased fully electric driving range. However, in order to use such batteries certain safety factors must be used in the product. Lithium ion batteries lacking safety mechanisms must immediately be considered a hazard. Such a product cannot be ethical to sell to consumers. The Functioning of a Lithium Ion Battery Lithium is a highly reactive metal. As used in lithium ion batteries, ions of lithium are still highly reactive. All batteries function through a complex chemical reaction known as a redox reaction (reduction-oxidation reaction) [9]. The type of battery is dependent upon what compounds are used within the cells of the battery. Cells are lower voltage components of a battery that increase voltage when wired in series. Each cell contains a chemical reaction, consisting of a positive electrode (cathode) and a negative electrode (anode) with several chemical compounds and a neutral barrier between the two electrodes. When in use, lithium ions are transferred from the cathode to the anode (positive to negative) in essentially a gradient creating an electric current (electricity) [7]. In both Chevrolet Volt vehicles, the cathode is a manganese compound while the anode is made of carbon [7]. Creating this current does come with some dangers. Lithium ion batteries are more hazardous than other battery chemistries because of the volatile nature of lithium. Such batteries must have a number of different safety features installed to ensure proper performance and to inhibit malfunctions. Internal Safety Features of Lithium Ion Batteries In order to promote the utmost safety, three factors must be monitored constantly: operating temperature, pressure within the cells of the battery and current draw on the battery [10]. The chemical reaction within the battery is exothermic, meaning it produces heat. If left to overheat, lithium ion batteries are highly combustible and have been known to ignite on users before [10]. To combat this, lithium ion batteries are equipped with temperature sensors that constantly take measurements. Beyond combustion, pressure within the battery s cells cannot reach a critical level, or else they will burst. Positive temperature coefficient devices switch off the reaction in a cell if it detects pressure has reached an unsafe level [9]. As a backup, cells of lithium ion batteries have emergency safety vents that release the pressure if the positive temperature coefficient device fails to shut off the cell [G]. Finally, batteries have circuit breakers that will trip if the car draws too much current from the battery [10]. This prevents damage to both the car components and the battery itself [9]. All three of these critical factors are monitored by a computer system located within the battery [10]. When all safety features are present, a lithium ion battery is considered safe for everyday use within a car. But when a battery lacks these safety features, a battery can very easily be damaged or even hurt a user. THE ETHICS OF REMOVING SAFETY FEATURES Given Chevrolet s production of the Volt MPV 5, key safety components of the batteries are not sufficient in my opinion. In regards to pressure, there are no backup safety vents. If the positive temperature coefficient device fails to shut of the cell, the metal case enclosing the cell will rupture [10]. In addition, the internal computer system of the battery lacks the necessary computing power to provide constant readings of the input of all sensors. If data foretelling a malfunction in one system of the battery is not processed in the necessary time, the battery may overheat and combust, or could burst from pressure. If the processing capacity of the computer were sufficient, the system would take measures to prevent irreparable damage to the battery and any potential harm to the public. As a professional engineer it is my duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public [1]. On the other hand, as a mechanical engineer it is only ethical for me to work in areas of my competence [2]. My specialty is not in batteries, therefore I do not know enough to instruct the company in this matter. I do know enough, however, to foresee possible problems in regard to the missing safety 2

3 features. The implications of this issue have the potential to be quite large. My duty lies with the public, but at the same time I must be loyal to my employer. AN ENGINEER S DUTY TO THEIR EMPLOYER The National Society of Professional Engineers code of ethics states that engineers will be faithful agents or trustees to their employer in a professional capacity [1]. It is my duty to be faithful to Chevrolet, for they employ me. I do not manage the company, so it is difficult for me to foresee implications in the large scale production of the Volt MPV 5 if the batteries were redesigned with improved safety measures. Perhaps the battery technology used in the vehicle meets safety standards set by the government. The technology is quite new and proper regulations may not be present within the United States. Battery safety standards may be inadequate, but government requirements of fuel efficiency are quite specific. Either way I am to work in the best interest of Chevrolet. THE NECESSITY OF HYBRID- ELECTRIC VEHICLES: GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN AUTOMOBILES Like all US automobile manufacturers, Chevrolet is threatened with fines if its lineup of vehicles doesn t reach certain standards. Following a political path to lessening fuel consumption, the Obama administration has set strict requirements for auto manufacturers, including a standard fuel economy for vehicles sold within the United States. Set in May of 2009, vehicles fleet-wide (encompassing cars and light trucks) must have an average gas consumption of 35.5 miles per gallon under CAFE standards [8]. Unlike the mpg ratings manufacturers are given permission to advertise by the EPA, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy is calculated using different formulas [11]. The CAFE standard 35.5 mpg is equivalent to a value of 27 mpg as advertised by an auto manufacturer. Producers will face penalties and fines provided they do not meet the specifications set by the federal government. Exact government-regulated specifications, required by the year 2016, are calculated based upon size of a vehicle (the wheel base multiplied by the track width). The required average will reach 54.5 mpg by 2025 [11]. The Volt MPV 5 meets all the standards set by the federal government up to and beyond In the United States, the average age of light cars and trucks (consumer vehicles) reached 11.4 years as of January With 247 million aging cars, increasing numbers of US consumers will be in the market for new vehicles [12]. The concern for the company is the price of the vehicle and its counterpart, the Volt sedan. With the high costs of lithium ion batteries, many consumers are weary to spend a great deal of money on an electric vehicle, when they could purchase a far more inexpensive gas model. In order to sell the new Volt, Chevy must find a price that consumers find appealing. This upcoming surge in new vehicle purchases will be a vital ally for the company and the future of their electric vehicles. If the batteries are produced with the additional safety features, costs may be too high for a reasonable price to be set and the project will be cut. Without the Volt MPV 5 on the market, Chevrolet will be faced with the fines and penalties in accordance with the Obama Administration. Ethics of the Environment and Electric Cars Engineers must also keep in mind the environmental aspects of their work and seek solutions that benefit our environment [2]. The Volt MPV 5 project is no exception to this rule. Gasoline is a dwindling commodity. It is evident that in due time consumption will constrict supplies and the urgent need for alternate sources of energy will arise. This idea seems obvious, but many do not know the extent of the issue. As of 2011, the United States consumed 3.19 billion barrels of gasoline annually. One barrel contains 42 US gallons, for a total of 134 billion gallons of gasoline in 2011 [6]. It is worthy to note that these are barrels of gasoline, not unrefined crude oil. This equates to a staggering 4, gallons used every second [6]. This issue is pressing for populations worldwide. As a necessary resource for transportation and industry across the globe, gasoline must be phased out in the long run. Electric vehicles are a means to this goal. If the Volt MPV 5 does not go to market because of my concern for the battery reliability, what does that say about my commitment to the environment? The vehicle will drastically reduce the consumption of gasoline if the SUV is sold at a price point in which consumers find favorable. Such electric vehicles must come to market. The question is at what cost do we protect the environment? Pondering questions such as these have always been a part of engineering. CONSIDERING ENGINEERING ETHICS IN GENERAL Engineers have always faced ethical challenges. On January 27th, 1986, engineers were faced with a very serious ethical dilemma. Inspecting the space shuttle Challenger the night before its launch, engineers had suspicions that the O- rings used to seal the solid rocket boosters were not sufficient to function at low temperatures [13]. They acted ethically and expressed their concerns to the proper authorities, advising them to suspend the launch, which was scheduled for the next morning [13]. Their advice was ignored and 73 seconds into the launch the O-rings failed, killing all seven astronauts [13]. If I do not speak to the proper authorities about these safety issues, many people may be put at risk if the battery on any of the vehicles should malfunction. A focus of ethics in engineering is preventative ethics, the idea that ethical decisions prevent disasters, such as the Challenger tragedy 3

4 [13]. My duty is to prevent any disasters to come. As an engineer and as a moral person I cannot overlook this issue, for if an engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate [1]. The actions of Chevrolet directly violate this code. The engineers in charge of the battery system were overlooked by the company in the pursuit of profit. Often such ethical decisions are difficult to make. An engineer must balance the different aspects of an ethical dilemma. The Journal of Engineering Education states that engineers often ask where we should draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable actions [14]. Is it acceptable to let my responsibility to my employer and the environment triumph the wellbeing of the public? There is a fine line drawn between the consumers and the technology itself. An engineer must be aware of techno-social sensitivity, the idea that technology affects society while society affects technology [13]. Electric vehicles have not only come from necessity but from demand. Consumer desire the technology. Where do I draw the line between consumer demand and social responsibility? MAKING AN ETHICAL DECISION IN ENGINEERING Within my profession, an engineer must be made to uphold the ethical codes they work by. The project I have worked on for so long has finally come to fruition but presents a hazard to the consumers. On one hand my duties are to cater to the company I work for. Chevrolet employs me, therefore I owe them my full loyalty in professional matters. On the other hand, my duties also require me to work in the best interest of the public, to ensure their health and safety. This includes protecting the environment to the fullest extent possible. If I ignore the defective nature of the batteries, I will be protecting the environment in some capacity by allowing for vehicles to be on the market that consume little gasoline and pollute the air far less than standard internal combustion engines. In this regard consumers can save money. At the same time I may put consumers of the vehicles at risk of damaging their cars or even hurting themselves. The pursuit of this issue, however, will act against my loyalty to Chevrolet in the short term. There is the possibility the project could be abandoned, for if made properly, the batteries may cost too much to produce and sell. With all these aspects in mind, my course of action must be to express my opinion to the management of the company. In the short run the company will be hurt, but in time the rewards will be greater. No vehicles will have to be recalled for this reason and people will be safe. If they ignore my advice and continue production, I must contact the proper outside authorities and express my concern, for the good of the public. In my eyes, this is the only ethical course of action available to me. REFERENCES [1] NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers. NSPE. (Website). [2] Code of Ethics of Engineers. ASME. (Website). 8A73-77B04B36D410/P157_Ethics.aspx [3] L. Dickerman, J. Harrison. (2010). A New Car, a New Grid. IEEE Power and Energy Magazine. (Online article) &tag=1 pp [4] E. Johnson. (2010). Chevrolet Volt MPV 5 Electric Concept. Car and Driver. (Online Article). electric-concept-car-news [5] New 2013 Chevrolet Volt Performance Specs. Motor Trend. (Online Article). cations/ [6] (2011). International Energy Statistics. U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Website). &pid=54&aid=2 [7] Chevrolet Volt Battery. General Motors. (Online Article). t/volt/docs/battery_101.pdf [8] (2010). Vehicle Fuel Economy. United States Government Accountability Office. (Online Article). ferrorpage?accountid=14709&groupid=95543 pp [9] M. Brain. How Lithium-Ion Batteries Work. How Stuff Works. (Online Article). [10] P. Balakrishnan, R. Ramesh, T. Prem Kumar. (2010). Safety Mechanism in Lithium-Ion Batteries. Journal of Power Sources. (Online Article) # pp [11] B. Vlasic. (2013). Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Reaches a High, Nearing Goal for New York Times. (Online article). [12] J. Henry. (2013). Waiting Game: Higher U.S. Auto Sales, As The Average Car Tops 11 Years Old. Forbes. (Online Article). game-higher-u-s-auto-sales-as-the-average-car-tops-11- years-old/ [13] C. Harris. (2008). The Good Engineer: Giving Virtue its Due in Engineering Ethics. Science Engineering Ethics. (Online Article). 4

5 07%252Fs pdf?auth66= _594ecba177f1fea77d87cb428ff1 09bb&ext=.pdf [14] C. Harris, M. Davis, M. Pritchard, M. Rabins. (1996). Engineering Ethics: What? Why? How? And When? Journal of Engineering Education. (Online Article). 5ccc5491d5ab84ee0b88d1ef905a96 pp ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Throughout my research, several people have lent their assistance along the way. First I would like to thank Dr. Vidic for allowing us to use the class time in order to understand our assignment and all its requirements. In this class time, Liberty Ferda came from the writing center to fully explain the assignment and answer all of our questions. I would like to thank her for taking her time to clarify any concerns we may have had going into our research. Next I would like to thank my loving mother, who assisted me in developing my topic into an ethically charged scenario. Finally, I would like to thank my sister Morgan Bush, who assisted me by proof reading the final paper. Without these individuals this endeavor would not have been possible. 5