Developments in Thermal Management and Plastic Powertrain Components 2020
Event Date: Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Location: Virtual Web Conference
Sponsors (click logos for more information):

ITB’s first interactive virtual conference on Developments in Thermal Management and Plastic Powertrain Components has now concluded with much success. Despite the challenge of not being able to meet in person, our event soldiered on and brought together a diverse mix of global automotive experts from the supplier and OEM communities. Participants tuned in for 18 presentations in six technical sessions that focused on thermal management innovations for powertrain and passenger comfort advancements (day 1) and developments for plastic components for both ICE and e-Powertrain systems (day 2).
Scheduled open networking sessions were built into our agenda to allow attendees to chat with leaders from throughout the value chain, discuss business plans, and forge new connections. Live Q&A with the presenters also added an additional layer of connectivity to our event.
Planning for our next conference in June 2021 is already underway and opportunities to become part of our leading event as a presenter, sponsor and/or exhibitor are available. Complete details will be posted soon. In the meantime, contact Mr. Bryan Eldredge, Senior Program Manager, The ITB Group if you have any questions.
Tel: +1 (248) 380-6310 • Email: beldredge@itbgroup.com
CONFERENCE AGENDA - Day 1: Developments in Thermal Management - Tuesday, September 22, 2020
8:00 |
Webinar Opens - Log In
|
8:15 |
Open Networking Session
|
8:50 |
Opening Remarks
Sean Osborne, Director – The ITB Group (U.S.A.) |
Thermal Systems Developments
9:00 |
Digital Twin Performance and Model Based System Testing for Vehicle Thermal Management
Loic de Francqueville, Electrification Program Manager and Hélder De Campos Garcia, R&D Engineer, Thermal Management Systems – Hutchinson (France) |
9:30 |
FCEV Thermal Management – For Every Challenge There is a Solution
Elsa Monsy, Application Engineer Thermal Management – Schaeffler Group (U.S.A.) |
10:00 |
Thermal Solution for High Performance IGBTs and Method of Validation
Dr. Michael Bardeleben, Senior Manager, Product Development – Dana (Canada) |
10:30 |
Open Networking Break
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Fluid System Designs
10:45 |
Contamination Control for HV Battery Packs and Cooling of PEM Fuel Cells
Dr. Michael Harenbrock, Principal Expert Electric Mobility – Mann+Hummel (Germany) |
11:15 |
How ARaymond can Facilitate the Cooling Line Assembly Process in the OEM Plant
Nicolas Fritsch, Engineering Manager and Burak Ocak, Business Development Manager – ARaymond (France, Turkey) |
11:45 |
Fluid Transfer - Air Conditioning Lines for Automotive
Jean-Philippe Lemoine, R&D Director – Hutchinson (France) |
12:15 |
Lunch Break - Open Networking
|
12:45 |
Transitioning Toward Electrified Vehicle Thermal Fluid Systems
Sean Osborne, Director – The ITB Group (U.S.A.) |
Materials for Thermal Components
1:15 |
High Aspect Ratio Graphites and Blends with Minerals for High Performance Thermally Conductive Compounds
Dr. Anna Ellett, Field Application Engineer Polymers – Imerys Graphite & Carbon (Belgium) |
1:35 |
Friction Reduction in Elastomeric Dynamic Seals
Kevin Dove, New Product Development Engineer – W. L. Gore & Associates (U.S.A.) |
1:55 |
GENESTAR™ Heat Resistant Polyamide for Thermal Management
Brad Lovett, Application Development Manager – Kuraray (U.S.A.) |
2:15 |
Open Networking
|
3:15 |
Close of Day 1
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CONFERENCE AGENDA - Day 2: Plastic Powertrain Components - Wednesday, September 23, 2020
8:15 |
Webinar Opens - Log In
|
8:30 |
Open Networking Session
|
9:00 |
Opening Remarks
Dr. Joel Kopinsky, Managing Director and Co-Founder – The ITB Group (U.S.A.) |
Innovations in Thermoplastics for Powertrain Applications
9:15 |
Plastic Technology in Fuel Cell Air Management Systems
Dr. Michael Harenbrock, Principal Expert Electric Mobility – Mann+Hummel (Germany) |
9:45 |
How ICME Enables Microstructure as a Design Parameter for Optimal Plastic Components
Philippe Hebert, Product Marketing Manager – e-Xstream Engineering (Luxembourg) |
10:15 |
Open Networking Break
|
Turbocharging and Air Induction
10:30 |
Watertight Active Snorkel
Marco Barbolini, Product Manager Engine and Propulsion Solutions – Röchling Automotive (Italy) |
11:00 |
Material Testing ‘At-Temperature’, a New Perspective in Evaluating Performance of Elastomers for High Temperature Applications
Mark Nevitt, Senior Applications Development Chemist – Zeon Chemicals (U.S.A.) |
11:30 |
Molding and Design Recommendations for Turbocharger Ducts and Cuffs
Dean Larsen, Vice President of Engineering – Ritus Corporation (U.S.A.) |
12:00 |
Lunch Break - Open Networking
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Materials Solutions for ICE and e-Powertrains
12:30 |
A Study of the Impact of Multi Generation Regrind on the Heat Ageing Performance of 20% and 25% Glass Fiber Reinforced, Blow Moldable PA66 Materials
Russell Bloomfield, Senior Application Development Engineer – DSM Engineering Plastics (U.S.A.) |
1:00 |
World First Post-Consumer Recycled High Heat PA Development for Turbo Charged Auto Air Induction System
Taehwan Kim, Senior Manager of Technical Service and CAE – PRET Advanced Materials (U.S.A.) |
1:30 |
DURAFIDE® PPS and DURANEX® PBT – High Heat Shock Products for EV Applications
Ted Largent, Sales Development Engineer – Polyplastics (U.S.A.) |
2:00 |
Open Networking
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3:00 |
Close of Day 2
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CONFERENCE SPEAKERS




















Dr. Joel Kopinsky
Managing Director & Co-founder - The ITB Group
Dr. Kopinsky (Ph.D. Chemical Engineering and MBA) is responsible for The ITB Group’s consulting assignments in energy storage, vehicle emissions, plastic engine parts and glazing systems. Over the past 25 years he has completed a variety of strategic and technical feasibility consulting projects for leading suppliers, OEMs and investment banks in North America, Europe and Asia. In addition, he has completed numerous multiclient reports concerned with energy storage, glazing and powertrain technologies. In the 1980’s, Dr. Kopinsky worked at the General Motors Research Labs followed by the completion of his MBA at Columbia University. On the side, Dr. Kopinsky is an avid clarinetist and long-haul hiker.


Sean Osborne
Director - The ITB Group
Mr. Osborne leads the Thermal Management Practice at The ITB Group. He has been developing and implementing strategic visions as a technical executive in several organizations for over 15 years. Over the past 30 years he has accumulated extensive experience in automotive product development, including experience working in Europe and China as well as the United States. Two areas of his automotive specialization are thermal management and fuel systems. Mr. Osborne holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and Management from MIT and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from General Motors Institute.


Loïc de Francqueville
Electrification R&D Program Manager - Hutchinson
Mr. de Francqueville joined Hutchinson Research and Innovation in 2017 as a Senior Engineer and Project Leader for thermal management, focusing on solutions to improve vehicle efficiency in the context of electrification. He also held roles in battery development and since 2020, currently works as Electrification R&D Program Manager. Prior to these roles, Mr. de Francqueville operated as a Research Engineer and Project Leader at IFP Energie Nouvelles where he focused on combustion process optimization, engine efficiency improvement, alternative fuels and engine adequacy, and emission reduction. Mr. de Francqueville holds a Master’s degree in physics engineering and combustion engines.


Elsa Monsy
Application Engineer - Schaeffler Group
Ms. Monsy is currently an Application engineer at Schaeffler in the Thermal Management group, a role she has held since 2018. Prior she worked as a Design engineer at Carling Technologies designing heavy vehicle electromechanical switches and commercial and residential circuit breakers. Ms. Monsy holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is also an active member in SAE volunteering to support the development of the SAE standard for thermal management in FCEV.


Dr. Michael Bardeleben
Senior Manager Product Development - Dana
Dr. Bardeleben joined Dana in 2004, working in the Heat Transfer and Analytical Development team developing analytical and numerical tools for modeling the thermal and hydraulic performance of automotive heat exchangers. Over the years, he has held the positions of Team Lead for CAE and Manager of CAE and Testing, bridging the gap between simulation, lab and real-world testing. Currently he is the Senior Manager for Product Development at the Dana guiding efforts in the development of new thermal management products, with a heavy focus on the EV/HEV/pHEV markets. Dr. Bardeleben is a member of the SAE and holds a number of patents relating to heat transfer enhancement and improved durability of compact heat exchangers and thermal bypass valves. Dr. Bardeleben holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on thermal-fluids and dynamics from McMaster University.


Dr. Michael Harenbrock
Principal Expert Electric Mobility - Mann+Hummel
Dr. Harenbrock has over 20 years of experience in the filtration business at Mann+Hummel and currently operates as Principal Expert Electric Mobility. Here his focus is on the monitoring of technology trends to identify upcoming needs and requirements for filtration and separation in electrified powertrains and fuel cell applications on a global level. Dr. Harenbrock is highly involved with several industry affiliations including SAE and FVV Planning Group 7 (fuel cells) and has published numerous technical articles over the past ten years. Dr. Harenbrock holds a Ph.D. in
Organic Chemistry from the University of Münster.


Nicolas Fritsch
Engineering Manager - ARaymond
Mr. Fritsch began his career as application engineer in powder metallurgy/sintered products and quickly transitioned to engineering manager in charge of developing engine and gearbox components, as well as high precision tooling. He later joined Araymond in 2013 as an Engineering Manager and currently leads a team developing fluid transfer related products in numerous application fields. In this role Mr. Fritsch is also active in business development activities and provides technical support to various engineering teams.


Burak Ocak
Business Development Manager - ARaymond
Mr. Ocak joined Araymond in 2016 and has held roles in different areas of product development, program management, and sales. He currently operates as a Business Development Manager for Quick Connector products used in cooling and fuel systems. Here he leads the ARaymond Global Network for VDA Quick Connector product and coordinates team members specializing in R&D, sales, project and business development. Mr. Ocak holds a Bachelor’s degree in material engineering.


Jean-Philippe Lemoine
R&D Director - Hutchinson
Mr. Lemoine, after completing his university studies in mechanical engineering, joined Hutchinson Automotive as Air Conditionning System Manager in 1995. Here he was in charge of several departments including product development, OEM project management, and he operated as an Advanced Research Manager. Currently Mr. Lemoine is R&D Director of Hutchinson in France.


Dr. Anna Ellett
Field Application Engineer Polymers - Imerys Graphite & Carbon
Dr. Ellet have over 8 years’ experience as a project manager across several different industries including polymers, metallurgy and technical ceramics. Her functional experience includes new product development, technical support, R&D, new business development, market research, quality assurance, and IP management. Dr. Ellet currently operates as Field Application Engineer Polymers at Imerys where she is responsible for global technical support, technical marketing and business development for carbon additives for polymers. Dr. Ellett received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Material Science from RWTH, the University of Aachen.


Kevin Dove
New Product Development Engineer - W.L. Gore & Associates
Mr. Dove operate as a New Product Development Engineer with over 24 years of service with Gore. For 18 years he worked with Gore’s Industrial Sealants business team with primary responsibilities focused on developing new gasketing and sealing products based on Gore’s expanded PTFE technology. Mr. Dove is the inventor on several ePTFE gasketing patents and currently he is working with Gore’s Performance Solutions Division’s Specialty Products R&D team to investigate and develop new product opportunities. Mr. Dove is a veteran of the U.S. Army and Delaware Army National Guard, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University.


Brad Lovett
Application Development Manager - Kuraray
Mr. Lovett is an Application Development Manager at Kuraray America where he supports the development of automotive powertrain components made with GENESTAR™ heat resistant polyamide. Prior to this role, he worked for over 20 years as a product development engineer and plastic materials engineer at automotive suppliers like Plastic Omnium, Cooper Standard, and Rayconnect. During this time, he gained extensive experience in the use of high-performance plastics for various powertrain applications. Mr. Lovett earned a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with emphasis in polymer engineering from Wayne State University.


Philippe Hebert
Product Marketing Manager - e-Xstream Engineering
Mr. Hebert began his career at e-Xstream engineering as application engineer and continued as the product manager for Digimat software. He is now in charge of product marketing for the ICME portfolio developed at e-Xstream engineering. Mr. Hebert holds a dual Master’s degree in materials engineering from UCL in Belgium, and Ecole Centrale Paris.


Marco Barbolini
Product Manager Engine and Propulsion Solutions - Röchling Automotive
Dr. Barbolini has more than 20 years of experience in the plastic industry and his functional experience includes engineering, production, marketing, simulation, strategy appraisal, project and business management. He began work at Röchling Automotive as a materials engineer in 1997 and later worked as technology manager for blow molding, injection molding and welding. Currently he operates as Product Manager for internal combustion engine components and in 2009 added the responsibility of thermal management. Mr. Barbolini has earned a degree in Materials Engineering from the University of Trento, with a focus in sintered metallurgy, has published many articles in the trade press and holds more than 20 patents.


Mark Nevitt
Senior Applications Development Chemist - Zeon Chemicals
Mr. Nevitt has been working in polymer development and technical marketing of engineering thermoplastics and elastomers at Zeon for 20 years. As a Senior Applications Development Chemist, he is responsible for technical support and market development of Zeon’s HyTemp acrylate elastomer division. Working directly with the engineering teams at automotive OEM’s and their suppliers, he focused on solutions for use in powertrain sealing and charged-air induction systems. Mr. Nevitt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of the Cumberlands.


Dean Larsen
Vice President of Engineering - VRC Engineered Solutions
Mr. Larsen graduated with a degree in engineering from University of Wisconsin and began his career at Molded Dimensions Inc. Here he worked up to Director of Engineering and expanded the company to include a full tool room, new equipment, processes, and materials. After 12 years, joined Ritus Corporation as the Director of Engineering where he ran the engineering and sales departments. Here was instrumental in the in the purchase of a rubber seal manufacturer, the purchase and buildup of a new plant, and sizable advances into new product markets. Mr. Larsen is currently the Vice President of Engineering for VRC Engineered Solutions.


Russell Bloomfield
Senior Application Development Engineer - DSM Engineering Plastics
Mr. Bloomfield is a Technical Service Engineer at DSM Engineering Materials where he focuses on high performance materials that are used in automotive air induction and thermal management systems. Prior to working at DSM, Mr. Bloomfield was employed at SABIC Innovative Plastics, General Electric Plastics, and BASF Corporation. During his career, he has served positions in application development, process engineering, as well as market development for high performance polymers. Mr. Bloomfield has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.


Taehwan Kim
Senior Manager of Technical Service and CAE - PRET Advanced Materials
Mr. Kim is a senior manager at PRET Advanced Materials where he provides technical and CAE services to assist customers with successful applications of PCR based sustainable materials without performance and quality concerns. Over his 28 year career in the automotive industry, Mr. Kim has held positions at KIA, Managed Programs, Wellman, Ascend and BASF which included roles in TS, CAE, product engineering and tooling. Mr. Kim has extensive knowledge in automotive plastic parts development with expertise in plastic intake manifolds and cam covers.


Ted Largent
Sales Development Engineer - Polyplastics
Mr. Largent has over 30 years of experience in the plastics industry, mainly with automotive applications. His current role with Polyplastics is that of an Application Development Engineer, working with customer engineering teams to provide aid in the development of new fuel and electrical/electronic applications. Past roles have involved working as a Manufacturing Engineer at Amp Inc., Technical Service Representative at Phillips Petroleum and as an Account Manager at Wellman Advanced Materials and M. Holland Co. Mr. Largent holds a Bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in Science and Technology.
