Hi Guys,

Read the press release below, interestingly the EU drive cycle is quite poor for hybrid efficiency gains due to lack of areas for regen.Real world would be closer to 20%. Not bad when you consider our system could be developed for almost any powertrain (given a design and calibration tweaks) and commercially makes common sense to both the manufacturer and the owner.

Kind Regards

Tony

Millbrook emissions tests prove Connaught Type-D Hybrid
Tests conducted at the Vehicle Emissions Laboratory (VEL) at Millbrook Proving Ground recently have confirmed the viability of the British hybrid sports car developer Connaught’s petrol/electric hybrid system. The tests demonstrated an overall reduction in CO2 emissions of almost 15% over the performance of a regular petrol engine.

The Connaught prototype was tested in both standard and hybrid configurations and at two inertia classes – the standard inertia class for a Ford Mondeo (the test engine currently installed in the Connaught Type-D) and the inertia class based on the proposed weight of the Connaught Type-D. The range of CO2 emissions recorded results from varying set-ups of the hybrid vehicle’s energy management system, for example, differing speeds and load conditions. This gave an overall improvement range of between 5.9% and 14.9%.

Tim Bishop – Connaught’s vehicle engineering director, said: "For the purpose of these tests we used a Ford Mondeo petrol engine, explains Bishop. "The Connaught engine, with bespoke strategies and calibration, will include a unique fast warm up feature with highly efficient water and oil heat transfer characteristics. High compression, ceramic crowned pistons, variable valve timing, low friction/low torque fluctuation for stop/start operation and electrically heated catalysts will all contribute to further energy saving beyond that shown in the official European Emissions (NEDC) test cycle."

Further improvements to the hybrid system for start of production will comprise a digital motor and power flow controller enabling intelligent and adaptive control of the motor and energy systems, the inclusion of high efficiency next generation super capacitor and a revised motor drive system.

The Connaught hybrid system is the brainchild of Tim Bishop and Tony Martindale and has to date received almost half a million pounds worth of funding from the Energy Saving Trust with 18 patents pending on its technology.

The hybrid system will be fitted into a Connaught Type-D sports coupé, which features the first ever V10 hybrid engine and will deliver 140mph, 0-60mph in 6.2s, 42mpg and genuine 2+2+ seating configuration, while still complying with ultra-low emissions targets set for 2010. A 48V electric motor assists the petrol engine, while Super Capacitors provide extra power to the electric motor and Regenerative braking pre-charges the system in preparation for the next acceleration

Production of the Type-D is due to start in 2006, with prices starting at around £35,000.