In a week which has seen delegates & business owners from around the world attend the Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco (12th-14thSept 2018) & Theresa May has promised £100M at the Zero Emission Vehicle Summit in Birmingham (11thsept 2018): global climate change is again a hot media topic.
With the expectations of the UK becoming a zero emissions country by 2040, investment in green vehicles, new batteries and low carbon technology remains at the forefront of the UK’s mission’s statements.
However, in recent reports it is reflected that the need for fossil fuel technologies in haulage, shipping & long-haul vehicles will remain for an extended period of time. Kathrina Mannion, head of BP’s Advancing Low Carbon Programme, is quoted in a New Scientist interview as saying “No one company or sector alone can deliver a low carbon future. Everyone, from consumers to corporations to governments, needs to take responsibility. At BP we’re asking what we can do to help to play a role in addressing this challenge,”. “We know that the world will be using fuels and lubricants for many decades to come. So, we are looking at ways to make those the most efficient or low carbon fuels and lubricants we can,” 12 September 2018 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2178957-towards-a-low-carbon-future/
Dolphin N2 have been developing their CryoPower diesel engine which promises up to 90% reduction in engine out emissions. When coupled to after treatment the resulting tailpipe emission is near zero impact. The 30% reduction in fuel consumption and relatively low cost of installation, using predominantly current automotive components means that the payback periods for long haul freight are short and could be as low as one year depending on usage profile.
Dolphin N2 has created strong working relationships with their partners Step C02, The University of Brighton, The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Innovate UK, Hiflux & Ricardo. Simon Brewster CEO of Dolphin N2 firmly believes that CryoPower is a “potentially game changing commercially and environmentally attractive technology” and during the past few weeks the Dolphin N2 team & their partners have been busily delivering their findings at a series of conferences & industry events.
On the 14thSeptember 2018, Professor Rob Morgan (University of Brighton) and Dr Andrew Atkins (Ricardo UK) presented analytical results of Dolphin N2 Split cycle concept for ultra low emissions vehicles at Thiesel in POLITÈCNICA DE VALÈNCIA.
The Step Co2 team presented some of the exciting findings from the collaborative work developing a highly efficient, zero emissions engine running on the split cycle principle. The efficiency benefit is derived by splitting the operations of the conventional four stroke cycle across two cylinders. Induction and compression is under relatively low temperature conditions whilst combustion/expansion and exhaust remain at high temperature throughout the cycle. Each cylinder is then thermally insulated with the waste heat regenerated to further improve efficiency.
Simon Brewster CEO of Dolphin N2 recently attended LCV 2018, the UK’s premier Low Carbon Vehicle event. LCV is a perfect platform for business owners & industry experts to network & discuss future collaborations.
During the LCV event Simon Brewster & Nick Owen – CTO Dolphin N2, were in conversation with Alistair Walshaw, who is currently working as part of the IVECO / CNH / FPT group. Iveco have already developed their EUROCARGO CNG engine which has obtained significant benefits in efficiency, emissions, and maintenance by utilising compressed natural gas. Natural gas being a “clean” fuel produces 10% less Co2, 35% less NOx emissions than their diesel equivalent and 95% less 95% less particulate matter. Iveco.com
The Institution of Diesel and Gas Turbine Engineers one day seminar titled ‘Emissions from Reciprocating Engines and their Abatement’ took place in Kegworth on Tuesday 18thSeptember. Simon Brewster CEO of Dolphin N2 & Benjamin West – Operations Manager Dolphin N2 attended & Simon Brewster presented an ‘Overview of the energy scene with particular reference to developments with gas and diesel engines aimed at reduced emissions’.
Presentations were from the environment agency, power generation OEM and installers as well as emission’s measurement, exhaust after treatment specialists and oil companies. There was a real focus on Gas engines, their emissions and on optimising aftertreatment. The emission’s legislation for diesel power generation has lagged behind that of road transport but there are some significant changes in 2019 to address this, particularly for smaller power generation sites of below 50Mw thermal.
Simon’s presentation was very well received, many of the attendees were keen to see how this could be applied to power generation in a shorter timeframe.
IDGTE are mindful of the fact that:
“Diesel engines using liquid fuel will also remain vitally important for an extended period – particularly in transport and especially on a global basis, whilst alternative fuels and EVs become more widespread. Unabated emissions, especially in conurbations, are no longer acceptable in many parts of the world.
The use of gas fuels – natural gas and biogases of various origins – is emphasised in National Grid’s Future Energy Scenarios 2017 where gas is seen as a continuing important fuel until at least 2050.” http://www.idgte.org
Written by Katy-Jane Mason on behalf of Dolphin N2
