700185Natural Fluid Transport Systems: A Study into the replacement of Single Mechanical Coolant Pumps for Vehicle Applications with Modular Axial Brushless Electric Coolant Pumps with Highly Innovative Impeller ArrangementsClosedGRD Proof of MarketInnovate UKSingle mechanical water pumps have been employed to drive coolant around powertrains for cars and many other vehicle cooling systems for over 100 years, remaining largely unchanged in that time. Modern vehicles with internal combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains have employed complex arrays of valves, restrictors and auxiliary pumps alongside changes in pump speed and vane design to adapt century old technology to increasing system demands. However, in recent years, vehicles have evolved to incorporate multiple sub-systems including turbos, electric motors, batteries and power electronics, each constrained to operate within tightly defined thermal and legal boundaries. Single mechanical pumps are no longer a viable solution for such systems; a step change in technology is required. This study aims to prove that a brand new impeller arrangement coupled with a series of technical features that we have originated for a pump tailored specifically to present and future vehicle needs are: inventive when compared to the prior art; and, can be combined to create a commercially feasible pump application. As part of this study, we will research all of the relevant market sectors with automotive being our primary market. Our research is divided into six major Actions, devised to explore the intellectual property landscape, commercial feasibility, and the partners that we intend to work with during the course of the project. They are as follows: A1: Prior Art Search A2: Technology Transfer A3: Relationship Development A4: New Partners A5: Market Research A6: Final Report Each Action is divided into a series of tailored Work Packages, which will enable us to thoroughly investigate each of the research sectors described. Our objectives are to deliver: 1) a Final Report which describes combinations of Ideas that our research indicates are innovative; and, 2) an analysis of the addressable market and the steps that will be undertaken to fund the next stage.