SCIENTISTS have unveiled new engine technology that will significantly increase fuel efficiency and reduce harmful emissions for heavy goods vehicles.
Researchers at the University of Brighton and industry partners Ricardo have demonstrated that by storing and injecting liquid air into split-cycle engines, fuel consumption is reduced by up to 30 per cent while NOx fumes and particle emissions are also reduced.
The new technology would enable long-haul freight lorries to fully comply with inner-city emission restrictions, saving hauliers thousands of pounds per year.
It also has potential cost-saving benefits for other diesel-fuelled industries including marine and rail.
Dr Rob Morgan, Reader in the University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, and the lead researcher, said: “Even if a significant breakthrough in battery technology were achieved in the future, the strains on the recharging infrastructure and powergrid may still be prohibitive.”
Ricardo, the global engineering, strategic and environmental consultancy and specialist manufacturer, based in Shoreham, has set up a new company Dolphin N2 which plans to bring the technology to market within the next few years.
Simon Brewster, CEO of Dolphin N2, said Ricardo has provided investment and the technology is protected by Intellectual Property Rights.