North East based automotive cleantech firm AVID Technology has secured a key position in a three year collaborative programme to develop more efficient vehicle powertrains with global OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Caterpillar.
In a project co-funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, Caterpillar UK Engines Company Ltd, AVID Technology Ltd, Denso Marston and Imperial College London will collaborate to develop a highly efficient hybrid powertrain for heavy-duty on- and off-highway vehicles. The powertrain will utilise AVID’s advanced electrification technology for the engine’s ancillary devices to reduce the parasitic loads on the engine. Ancillary devices will be powered using waste heat energy that will be recovered from the exhaust.
The system is expected to deliver significant fuel consumption reductions over real-world operating conditions. This £5.2M, three year project encompasses software, hardware and control system design and development and will culminate with an on-engine demonstration using a Caterpillar-built Tier 4Final-compliant diesel engine.
This development reinforces AVID’s rapidly growing position as a world leader in the electrification of ancillary systems in heavy duty and high performance vehicles, an area which it has pioneered as a cost effective solution to improve drive train efficiency and emissions.
AVID’s managing director, Ryan Maughan, said: “To secure a program like this with a major name such as Caterpillar is huge for AVID. This has allowed us to push forwards with significant investments in new facilities and personnel to support the growth of the business and will provide a platform for further growth over the coming years.”
