The French Industrial Innovation Agency (Agence de l’Innovation Industrielle, AII) has agreed to provide 61 million Euros to fund Valeo's research program LOwCO2MOTION, which aims to improve vehicle engine efficiency and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
“This funding recognises the value of the work that Valeo engineers have been undertaking in this field for several years and will allow us to offer the market new solutions that can provide up to 30% fuel savings with a significant reduction in CO2 and pollutant emissions,” said Thierry Morin, Valeo Chairman & CEO.
In the first part of the program, researchers plan to develop a system in which the camshaft in the engine is replaced by electromagnetic actuators that operate each valve independently. Valeo claims that the system will reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by 20% for gasoline engines. It will also provide enhanced performance and driving comfort due to an increase in low-end engine torque. A version for diesel engines will also be developed.
In the second part, the company plans to make a next-generation mild hybrid based on Valeo’s StARS+X technology. In addition to a start-stop function which cuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, the system will feature a regenerative braking function, where energy generated during braking is recovered. The program includes the development of a new high-efficiency, high-power alternator technology as well as ultracapacitors, enabling a 10 to 15 % reduction in fuel consumption.
The LOwCO2MOTION program represents a total investment of 212 million Euros over a four-year period. The AII funding is subject to the approval of the European Commission.
Swiss geoengineering start-up targets methane removal
No mention whatsoever about the effect of increased methane levels/iron chloride in the ocean on the pH and chemical properties of the ocean - are we...