Torotrak PLC V-Charge Update (7091N)
February 02 2016 - 2:00AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMTRK
RNS Number : 7091N
Torotrak PLC
02 February 2016
2 February 2016
Torotrak plc
("Torotrak" or the "Company")
Confirmation of V-Charge test results
Torotrak, (LSE: TRK), a leading developer and supplier of
emissions reduction and fuel efficiency technology for vehicles, is
pleased to announce the latest results of the on-engine V-Charge
testing programme conducted by University of Bath ('Bath') in
collaboration with a global Tier 1 supplier of engine boosting
systems and with the participation of the Ford Motor Company
('Ford').
In summary:
-- V-Charge on-engine performance rig tests completed on time and confirm simulation predictions
-- New testing with specifically tailored turbocharger planned for April completion
-- Integrated V-Charge solution predicted to outperform other
advanced boosting technologies in fuel economy, performance and
cost
-- In vehicle demonstration available in July
The initial simulation phase of the project was successfully
completed last year and we are pleased to announce that the next
phase in the programme (of planned on-engine rig testing of
V-Charge with a standard off-the-shelf turbocharger on a 1.0L Ford
Ecoboost gasoline engine) has now also been successfully completed
in January as planned. The test results have been independently
validated by Bath and confirm that the fuel consumption and
performance of V-Charge is highly competitive and in line with
expectations. V-Charge successfully achieved the target
requirements in boost pressure, mass airflow and power consumption
and delivered class-leading 'time to torque' (a measure of
transient response) delivering 90 per cent of target torque in
under 500ms. These results are in line with the simulation models
developed by the Company in conjunction with Bath.
The test results have been shared with our Tier 1 partner and
with Ford and opportunities to further improve the performance of
V-Charge in a production-intent twin-stage boosting system have
been identified. Working in conjunction with Bath and our Tier 1
partner and using our validated simulation model, we have specified
a production turbocharger unit which is optimized to maximize the
performance improvements and fuel economy of the V-Charge equipped
engine. The partners expect that this revised configuration will
demonstrate further benefits from the technology and confirm the
full extent of engine downsizing and downspeeding that can be
achieved with V-Charge. The Tier 1 partner in the programme has
committed to delivering the adapted turbocharger unit in March 2016
and it is anticipated that the results from on-engine testing will
be available in April 2016. The parties expect these results to
show that this new V-Charge configuration outperforms other
advanced boosting technologies.
The partners plan in addition to complete the installation of
this twin-stage boosting system of V-Charge and the matched
turbocharger in a Ford Focus by July 2016 for demonstration to
customers. Drive cycle testing will also be conducted by Bath to
NEDC and the new WLTP procedures, further validating the real-world
benefits of V-Charge.
The cost study currently being undertaken in conjunction with
the Tier 1 indicates that V-Charge will be a lower cost solution
than other advanced boosting solutions when integrated into a
vehicle.
As noted in the Company's interim results in November 2015, we
continue to see increased levels of interest by Tier 1s and OEMs in
our V-Charge technology both for passenger cars and also smaller
off-highway commercial vehicles. Our discussions with potential
licensing partners and potential OEM customers confirm the
importance of the following key features and benefits of
V-Charge:
Feature Benefit
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Compressor speed range
- typically 10x to 100x * On demand variable air flow at any engine speed to
engine speed provide performance, economy and emissions benefits
* Allows precise air management and seamless turbo
handover at all engine speeds
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Continuous power capability
- 17kW (air power) * Enables optimal turbo sizing for maximum power output
* Allows sustained continuous low speed torque when
required
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio controlled traction
drive CVT * Rapid time to maximum compressor speed
* Low noise with no noise attenuation required
* Lower installed cost
* Smaller, simpler packaging
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Low power electromechanical
actuation system * Low parasitic losses
* Low cost, compact standard automotive actuator
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Integrated 'DriveDisconnect'
function for full disengagement * Lower cost
without external clutch
* Simpler packaging
--------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------
We look forward to updating shareholders with the next stage of
testing for the optimized V-Charge twin-stage boosting system.
Nick Barter, Non-Executive Chairman said: "We are delighted with
the independent test results achieved by V-Charge on a 1.0L Ford
Ecoboost engine. These results confirm the capability of V-Charge
to enable engine downsizing in a low cost, simple to install
boosting system. We are confident that V-Charge offers passenger
car OEMs and off-highway OEMs a cost-effective way to address the
emissions reduction challenges they face from 2020 onwards while
maintaining driveability, and we look forward to securing licensing
arrangements to take this technology into a range of volume vehicle
markets."
Adam Robson, CEO said: "These results are very pleasing. I am
very encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by our Tier 1 partner to
extend the scope of this programme to include their new
turbocharger configuration. This extra investment will permit us to
show the fullest potential of V-Charge."
For more information, please visit www.torotrak.com or
contact:
Torotrak plc
Adam Robson, Chief Executive / Rex Vevers, Finance
Director
Tel: +44 1772 900931
Cantor Fitzgerald Europe (Financial Adviser &
Broker)
Marc Milmo / Will Goode / David Banks
Tel: +44 20 7894 7000
Tavistock (Financial PR)
Simon Hudson / Lulu Bridges / James Collins
Tel: +44 20 7920 3150
About Torotrak
Torotrak is a leading developer and supplier of kinetic energy
recovery systems, engine boosting and variable drive transmissions
for vehicles. Our portfolio of technology solutions substantially
improves fuel economy and reduces CO(2) and other emissions in
vehicles through capturing and recycling energy that would
otherwise be lost, harnessing the power of supercharging to enable
engine downsizing and managing the engine at the optimum point.
About Smart Project
The Innovate UK funded Smart Project programme is to develop a
production orientated version of the V-Charge supercharger for a
specific downsized engine application for passenger cars, involves
initial simulation, on-engine rig testing and demonstration of
real-world performance improvements and fuel economy from V-Charge.
Bath is a world-recognised centre of excellence in the field of
pressure charging and is responsible for independently validating
the potential of V-Charge to improve fuel consumption and
performance compared to incumbent boosting technology. The
programme is being conducted in collaboration with a global Tier 1
supplier of engine boosting systems and with the participation of
the Ford Motor Company.
-ends-
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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