Biodice (Super light Thermal Propulsion Unit)

Dice offers a subtle but game changing advancement to the proven Otto cycle by utilizing the cylinder space under the piston as a secondary ‘boost’ combustion chamber. The reduced engine mass leads to lower fuel consumption, consequent lower emission output and manufacturing costs. Thus, the project is aligned with the scope of boosting UK growth, opportunity and sustainable transport. The University of Birmingham (UoB) has a wealth of knowledge, knowhow and expertise in the optimisation, emissions reduction and simulation of ICEs. The funding would bring about a final prototype, small production line and a small concept vehicle. This technology will allow the mass of the engine to be reduced thereby increasing fuel efficiency of vehicles and aims to demonstrate how to reduce the carbon impact of ICEs. DICE technology is compatible with any spark or compression ignition fuel and is aligned with hybrid electric vehicles, where adoption of the technology will allow larger batteries to be fitted. Fuel consumption reductions have considerable economic benefits to users, and Dice is aimed at the attainment and advancement of EU directive 333/2014 to reduce CO2 emissions, especially for trucks. The DICE engine does not change the fundamentals of internal combustion, and can be used with any fuel including biofuels, alcohol and hydrogen etc. A huge contributor to CO2 are trucks and it is widely accepted that electrification for trucks is not feasible. This is just one area where Dice technology should be implemented.