It is becoming increasingly accepted that only a radical change in energy usage can bring about a reversal of global warming by significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The vision of a future hydrogen based energy economy is gaining ground with the mobile fuel cell central to the conversion of chemical to electrical energy. Significant barriers remain to be overcome, and the continued development of fuel cells to improve efficiency and power will continue, with demonstration and evaluation of concepts being key to reducing uncertainties. Listed below are the actions which are considered most important.
0-5 years
5-10 years
10-20 years
Introduction of demos of fuel cell technology, bike, car , bus, truck
Development of a range of fuel cell engines that can be integrated into vehicles
Hydrogen storage and cost (high Pt content)
Alternative power generation Demonstration of high well to wheel efficiency
FC component improvement increases system efficiency
Fleet development
Significant market penetration
High efficiency electrical machines, controllers and batteries
Hybrid Powertrains
Hybrid powertrains, particularly when coupled with advanced IC engines, offer a route to improved fuel efficiency and therefore reduction of CO2 emissions and pollutants. They have a crucial role to play in terms of enabling migration to the widespread use of alternative fuels. The development of low cost hybrids capable of matching and exceeding conventional engine performance are necessary if they are to become acceptable to the public and provide a route to the acceptance of alternatively fuelled vehicle types. Application of hybrid powertrains to vehicles such as buses is already in use, and this gives a means for evaluation of technologies as well as improving emissions in an urban environment.
0-5 years
5-10 years
10-20 years
Mild hybrids
Enabling research on magnetic materials for hybrids
Low cost high efficiency electric motors & controllers
Low cost engines for hybrid vehicles In-home fast battery charging
Battery life and cost
Significant market penetration
High efficiency electrical machines, controllers and batteries
Advanced Internal Combustion Engines
Opportunities exist for the development of advanced IC engines optimised for powering hybrid vehicles, matched to the load cycles experienced in these applications. Highly downsized engines, with significant fuel economy are feasible in the short to medium term. Developments enabling migration to the widespread use of alternative fuels such as CNG, LPG, LNG and bio-diesel, are expected, as well as power units with multi-fuel capability. Common issues exist with the development path for more conventional engines as given in the Engine and Powertrain Thematic Group, with convergence of technologies a possibility. In the medium term, overcoming the control issues with HCCI/CAI engines will benefit pollutant and particulate emissions for oil derived fuel propulsion.
0-5 years
5-10 years
10-20 years
Highly downsized boosted engines Emissions control with reduced CO2 penalty
Optimum cycle (eg HCCI/CAI)
Gasoline engine CO2 reduction
Location based control for efficiency & emissions
Throttleless engines
GDI
Multi-fuel
Waste energy recovery
Intake charge cooling
