Atlas - European Thermodynamics Limited

Project: Atlas

Purpose: The ATLAS project, funded through the Advanced Propulsion Centre’s APC21 round, aims to advance vehicle propulsion technology. Building on the success of a previous project involving a 132kW tractor powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), the project seeks to develop a larger, high-energy-density fuel storage system. This system utilizes cryogenic liquid methane and innovative vaporization techniques to fuel a 199kW engine efficiently.

Deliverables: ETL, a specialist in solid-state semiconductor thermoelectric generator units, will contribute to the project by integrating these units into the exhaust system to enhance the vehicle’s energy efficiency.

Story: ETL’s thermoelectric devices have the potential for various high-temperature cooling applications, including medical and oil and gas sectors. They can control sensitive instruments in extreme environments, such as logging instruments, and enable energy harvesting from pipelines and downhole sensors. This project serves as an initial application, with the potential to scale production in the UK. Success in industrial waste heat and energy harvesting applications is expected to drive up production volume, reduce costs, and broaden access.

The project has links with the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which can assist with communications and marketing. It’s part of APC’s commitment to promoting projects and companies in the field of advanced propulsion.

Audience

The primary audience for this project is the vehicle market, specifically CNH Industrial’s tractors.

Deliverables

Sales of unique LFM optimised TEG energy recovery system.
Validation of TEGs in harsh off-road environment (vibration resilience) and resulting IP.
Data from validation activities (on bench and in field).
Improvement in production processes to facilitate thermo-electric device supply security through UK manufacturing.
Establish a UK supply chain through development of UK suppliers and partnerships with companies such as Kennametal, South Wales, whom have created a UK base for hot press and spark plasma sintering.