2008 ConocoPhillips Energy Prize Winner

The Layered MagWheel provides powerful and efficient magnetic acceleration and frictionless regenerative magnetic braking for vehicles. The concept is proposed to work on gas-electric vehicles, electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Each Layered MagWheel is built directly inside of the wheels of any vehicle to act as the braking system, the drive motor and a solid-state transmission all-in-one package. For a typical vehicle utilizing an internal combustion engine, less than 20 percent of the energy burned in the fuel reaches the wheels and propels the vehicle. The Layered MagWheel will convert upwards of 90 percent of the energy passing into it directly into motion. The Layered MagWheel also allows a significantly higher percentage of braking energy to be recaptured compared to current hybrid vehicles. Together, these properties allow the Layered MagWheel to both improve energy efficiency and combat climate change by significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The concept was specifically designed to be economical to produce on a large scale for the automobile industry. The core component to each Layered MagWheel, the induction disk layer, is manufactured in a manner similar to products in the computer industry through a process called photolithography. This process can be completely automated and requires few human attendants, keeping labor costs low. Since all components of the design are layered, assembly of the induction disk layers and other components of the design are also simple and economical. With the Layered MagWheel, drivers need not sacrifice performance for gains in energy efficiency. This concept allows performance, efficiency, and safety to all increase.

Since winning the ConocoPhillips Energy Prize in 2008, David Gonzales II has continued his research and development efforts for the Layered MagWheel. In late 2008, he launched a new startup called Impact Advanced Concepts, a company devoted to developing the Layered MagWheel and other projects towards commercialization. The funds provided from the ConocoPhillips Energy Prize have allowed Gonzales to initiate a prototyping and testing program for the technology. The prototype is currently nearing completion and will soon undergo testing to prove its efficient regenerative magnetic braking, magnetic acceleration and transmission capabilities. The prototyping program has already allowed much to be learned and put into practice that will ultimately be used when moving the energy efficient technology to the road.

The recognition and prestige of the award has opened up new avenues to increase public knowledge and support for the project. Gonzales has given many presentations to a variety of audiences about the Layered MagWheel in the past year, including presentations to large audiences at universities, schools, trade shows and a variety of other settings. In addition, Gonzales has presented to students about the importance of energy-saving technologies and the value of science and engineering to society. The ConocoPhillips Energy Prize has opened many new doors and allowed Gonzales to meet a variety of influential people in industry, business, research and media who are closely following the progress of development.

David A. Gonzales II is inventor of the Layered MagWheel with Dynamic Reconfiguration concept, and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. In 2008, he graduated in three years with a Bachelor of Science with honors from University of Texas at San Antonio. Gonzales invented the patent-pending concept during his teenage years and has progressed through several years of research and development. He hopes to further refine, optimize and prototype the concept for commercialization within the automobile industry. Gonzales is now the founder and CEO of Impact Advanced Concepts, a company devoted to developing the Layered MagWheel and other projects towards commercialization.

Gonzales was born in Dover AFB, Del., in 1987. He is the son of Dr. David A Gonzales (Col. Ret.) and Shirley A. Gonzales. His father was in the United States Air Force, and David grew up moving frequently, living around the world. This gave him the unique opportunity to experience a variety of cultures and ideas. He also developed a strong interest in science and technology at an early age. His hobbies include astronomy, hiking, biking, paintball, swimming, working with electronics, learning and spending time with friends.