Millbrook Emissions Tests Prove Connaught Type-D Hybrid
Published: 30th March 2005
- Independent results confirm Connaught petrol/electric hybrid system a success
- Excellent fuel economy results proven
- CO2 emissions down by almost 15% with the hybrid system
- Further 11% saving realised using weight saving designs and technology
- Implementation of electrically heated catalysts will further improve emissions output towards the Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) standard
- Target 30% CO2 reduction a reality
Tests conducted at the Vehicle Emissions Laboratory (VEL) at Millbrook Proving Ground recently have confirmed the viability of Connaught’s revolutionary petrol/electric hybrid system. The tests demonstrated an overall reduction in CO2 emissions of almost 15% over the performance of a regular petrol engine.
The aims of the extensive series of tests were to establish fuel economy figures and emissions levels. The vehicle prototype was tested in both standard and hybrid configurations and at two inertia classes – the standard inertia class for a Ford Mondeo (the test engine currently installed in the Connaught Type-D) and the inertia class based on the proposed weight of the Connaught Type-D. Excellent results confirm the viability of the technology and system.
The range of CO2 emissions recorded results from varying set-ups of the hybrid vehicle’s energy management system, for example, differing speeds and load conditions. This gave an overall improvement range of between 5.9% and 14.9%.
While welcoming the results as an endorsement of the Connaught proprietary technology, Tim Bishop - Connaught’s vehicle engineering director, knows the results will only get better.
"For the purpose of these tests we used a Ford Mondeo petrol engine, explains Bishop. "The specifically designed Connaught engine, with bespoke strategies and calibration, will include a unique fast warm up feature with highly efficient water and oil heat transfer characteristics. High compression, ceramic crowned pistons, variable valve timing, low friction/low torque fluctuation for stop/start operation and electrically heated catalysts will all contribute to further energy saving beyond that shown in the official European Emissions (NEDC) test cycle."
Further improvements to the hybrid system for start of production will comprise a digital motor and power flow controller enabling intelligent and adaptive control of the motor and energy systems, the inclusion of high efficiency next generation super capacitor and a revised motor drive system.
The Connaught hybrid system is the brainchild of Tim Bishop and Tony Martindale and has to date received almost half a million pounds worth of funding from the Energy Saving Trust with 17 patents pending on its ground-breaking technology.
The hybrid system will be fitted into a Connaught Type-D sports coupé, a revolutionary concept in vehicle design and engineering, which features the first ever V10 hybrid engine. Connaught's Type-D beats mainstream manufacturers in the race to produce a high performance energy-efficient sports car. The stunning coupé will deliver 140mph, 0-60mph in 6.2s, 42mpg and genuine 2+2+ seating configuration, while still complying with ultra-low emissions targets set for 2010.
Production of the Type-D is due to start in 2006 with prices starting at around £35,000.
How the hybrid system works
- 48V electric motor assists the petrol engine
- Super Capacitors provide extra power to the electric motor
- Regenerative braking pre-charges the system in preparation for the next acceleration
Key benefits
- Improved fuel economy
- Improved performance
- Engine off at idle in city driving
