Integrated heat recovery for future hybrid and electric range extender vehicles

The aim is to undertake systems analysis of a new integrated heat recovery concept for future hybrid and electric range extender passenger cars. The proposed work is multidisciplinary in nature, including fundamental R&D of novel thermal coatings, quantification of ICE performance effects, exhaust heat recovery analysis and electric motor & battery performance analysis. The approach involves the use of new thermal barrier coatings that can reduce ICE wall heat losses by 30%. The premise is based upon minimising the heat lost to the engine coolant/oil and elevating the gas temperatures in the exhaust, where the energy can be more easily recovered. The method is particularly well suited to future hybrid and electric range extender applications, where knocking combustion can be more easily avoided and rapid catalyst light-off achieved. The work involves study of innovative technology in three areas. 1. Materials and manufacturing R&D of novel thermal surface coating technologies. 2. Evaluation of the effects of the coatings on ICE performance, fuel economy and emissions. 3. Analysis of the performance of the coatings when combined with exhaust heat recovery, hybrid and electric range extender powertrain technologies.