Engineering news
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) revealed its innovative approach to low and zero emission powertrain technology research at this year’s CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event.
The research presented by the manufacturer at the show was showcased in three Concept_e research demonstrators, consisting of a unique high performance, modular electric drive module (eDM) developed in-house by JLR. These are capable of producing twice the power and torque of any electric motor-generator in production today, and can be inserted between any engine and transmission to create mile hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or used alone for a battery electric vehicle (BEV).
JLR claims that in recent years, it has slashed its carbon emissions by 25%. The Concept_e technologies are the output of an advanced powertrain research programme for next-generation hybrid and battery-electric powertrain technologies which began in 2013.
Led by JLR, this two year £16.3 million research project is part-funded by the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK and involves 12 UK technology partners. It has brought together engineers and technologists from academia, the supply chain and industry to create a number of unique and innovative solutions.
Dr Wolfgang Epple, director of research and technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “This is a long-term JLR research project exploring all aspects of future hybrid and battery electric vehicle technology. The three Concept_e vehicles will allow us to test and develop exciting new potential technologies that could form part of our low and zero emissions vision beyond 2020.
“The project is also helping to develop the UK's skills and capabilities in alternative powertrains. We are serious about helping the UK become a world-wide leader in powertrain technologies. Collaborative research programmes like this allow us to multiply the effect of our own R&D investment and nurture the UK's technology supply chain. This approach is helping to develop the skills and technologies that will make the UK even more competitive in the future."
Dr Ruth McKernan, chief executive at Innovate UK, said: “The world-leading results of this collaborative R&D project not only justify our investment in the project, but promise significant economic benefits for the UK automotive industry and its supply chains. Our £230 million investment in the sector over the past 8 years has helped the industry complete a remarkable turnaround, with the UK now seen as the pre-eminent global hub for automotive innovation.”
JLR also unveiled how it will reduce the energy consumption of heating and air-conditioning within the vehicle. The manufacturer has discovered it can slash vehicle weight using a combination of carbon fibre and plant-based materials, and lightweight electrical circuitry.
The manufacturer also released its 'Warm Air Blanket' and 'Air Bubble' technology research, designed to improve efficiency and increase the range of forthcoming hybrid and all-electric vehicles. While battery capacity and motor efficiency are obvious areas for development, Eppel explained that refining auxiliary systems can also provide serious gains in range.
The new systems could reduce the power consumption of air conditioning units by as much as 50%, meaning that EVs equipped with the new system will be able to travel for longer between charges. Epple said: “Today's HVAC systems can draw 8-10KW from an electgric vehicle battery, enoguh to reduce the range by up to 40%, while air conditioning can reduce the range of an internal combustion engine by up to 20%.
“So to improve the fuel economy and emissions of internal combustion engines and to enhance the range of a future BEV, we have been rethinking the thermal management of a vehicle cabin. We are developing new methods of heating and cooling the cabin, to achieve substantial reductions in energy consumption."