How we’ve helped Ford improve the way they measure carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
EU legislations require car manufacturers to improve their fleet average CO2 emissions levels by 2020 or face a levy.
In 2010, our Powertrain and Vehicle Research Centre (PVRC), which is now IAAPS, joined up with Ford on an innovative government-funded knowledge transfer project (KTP). They worked together to develop commercially affordable procedures, techniques and tools to improve precision of carbon dioxide measurement. The aim was to embed the results of our research into the company’s vehicle emissions laboratory at Dunton.
As a result of the project, Ford was able to assess the effects on emissions of any potential vehicle enhancements more accurately. This helped them to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption in the Ford product range.
The project covered activities designed to measure and control sources of variability within a complex test environment. These included vehicles effects, test equipment setup and driver interactions.
Our researchers discovered that speed and acceleration were not the only factors in accurately evaluating fuel consumption. They found that the position and movement of the accelerator pedal had an impact. And the accuracy of the vehicle’s alignment with the test rig was a factor.
Our research led to higher precision measurement of CO2 emissions in vehicles. Our methods were embedded into practice at Ford’s laboratories, where they doubled the level of precision. This was instrumental in Ford’s development of the Transit and Econetic range of vehicles. Econetic accounts for nearly half of Ford’s European sales.
Our collaboration with Ford’s emissions measurement laboratory has continued. This has had commercial benefits for Ford and improved our researchers’ powertrain expertise.
‘The project has accelerated the improvements to reduce variability in test measurements of fuel consumption and emissions. As consumption and emissions fall, benefits become increasingly difficult to measure, which is why this project has been so useful.’
Dr Phil Price, Technical Specialist, vehicle evaluation and verification, Ford Europe
The primary goal is to develop a high-speed, electrically driven two-stage compressor that is both lighter and cheaper and more efficient than current air compressor systems available in the automotive sector
Our researchers analysed the commercial viability of solid-state batteries in automotive technology and whether elevated operational temperature is a barrier to mainstream adoption
Globally unique experimental and simulation techniques result in CO2 savings equivalent to removing 109, 000 cars from the road every year
Chassis dynamometers offer considerable potential for the analysis of real-world fuel economy and emissions performance
IAAPS is collaborating with McLaren on research into several technology areas for McLaren’s next generation engine and hybrid powertrain
Electric Turbocharging for Energy Regeneration Increased Efficiency at Real Driving Conditions
How we’ve helped Ford improve the way they measure carbon emissions and fuel consumption
In collaboration with the IAAPS team, HiETA Technologies designed, manufactured and physically tested a lightweight and internally cooled Radial turbine wheel
Our researchers have conducted experiments linking fuel use and the emotional response of drivers to acceleration performance
Alongside Ashwoods Automotive, our researchers have developed a mass-market-ready low-carbon diesel hybrid engine
A cost-effective solution to torque ripple in PM Synchronous Motors enabled our partner to expand its market into high-quality, light-weight electric vehicles
New Hybrid Thermal Propulsion Systems Prosperity Partnership aims to accelerate UK’s journey to zero emission mobility
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