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Development
Past, Present and Future
The development stages are composed by feasibility studies (FS), industrial research (IR), experimental development (ED), and pilot deployment (PD). Fuelsion Ltd technology is planned to be developed, from industrial research (IR) to pilot deployment (PD), in a period of 33 months.
Feasibility Studies
Over £460k (2014-24)
In 2013, the intellectual property was invented. Between 2014 and 2024, research, development, and feasibility studies were conducted to determine the effect of the surfactant selection method, N4NO® Tech environmental fuels (NEF), NEF emulsifying blends (NEB), NEF onboard production unit (NOPU), on light-duty diesel vehicle and engine, using a chassis dynamometer and engine bench test (TRL 1-3). The costs of this stage were c.a. £460k, invested from the co-founders wages and expenses (£360K) and from funds raised from minor investors (£100k).
Feasibility Studies
NEF and NEB Analysis
Between 2014 and 2016, research and development were conducted to determine the selection method of surfactants and additives used in the formulation (Fn) to produce NEF emulsifying blends (NEB) and N4NO® Tech environmental fuels (NEF) (TRL 1). Between 2017 and 2024, the feasibility study confirmed and determined the surfactant selection method to be adopted; NEB production method; constant hydrocarbon to formulation ratio; and low-energy method used to produce NEF onboard at operational temperatures (TRL 2-3).
Feasibility Studies
Dyno and Bench Analysis
In February 2018, BAS raised funds for EPS to determine the technical feasibility of NEF. EPS performed tests on a Jaguar X-Type 2.2D (2005) using a single roll chassis dynamometer at VC Powers, in Vila Real-Portugal (TRL 3). The results showed no engine modifications is required, the same fuel consumption rate and a reduction of exhaust gas emissions. In June 2018, Brambilla & Serodio Ltd (BAS) signs a NDA with a major vehicle manufacturer to perform a trial at a Germany university using an engine bench test for a period of one week (TRL 3). Results showed no indications of fuel injector failure and a fuel savings of 1% (mass).
Feasibility Studies
Exploratory Data Analysis
In December 2022, exploratory data analysis (EDA) of dataset from tests performed in VC Power, Vila Real, Portugal, conducted during the Masters degree by research in Energy Innovation at Swansea University, showed (16% WiDE) a simultaneous increase in thermal efficiency by 2.9%, and a decrease in fuel costs, reliance of hydrocarbon fuels, CO2, NOx, CO and PM, by 11.5%, 22.9%, 7.0%, 21.9%, 84.5% and 86.9%, respectively (TRL-3).
Industrial Research
£130k (15 months)
The next step is the Industrial Research stage (TRL 4-5-6), comprising: testing all components together; integrated with realistic supporting elements and tested in a simulated environment (bench test); and develop and test the pilot technology using a model and prototype in relevant environment (circuit and road test). This stage is to be performed in two parts. The first part is estimated to cost c.a. £10k and the second part is estimated to cost c.a. £120k (self-funded).
Exptl. Development
£250k (12 months)
The experimental development stage is planned for a period of 12 months, focused on the prototype operated in its operational environment (HGV trucks) to demonstrate performance (TRL 7). At this point the technology has been tested and proven to work in its intended operational environment (TRL 8). The total cost of the project is estimated at c.a. £250k, planned to be partially funded by Innovative UK (45%) and the remaining self-funded (55%).
Pilot Deployment
£250k (6 months)
The pilot deployment stage is planned for a period of 6 months, focused on the technology being applied in its final form and under mission conditions (TRL 9). The total cost of the project is estimated at c.a. £250k, planned to be self-funded (100%).