Nanotecture Ltd - Awarded DTI grant for next generation super-capacitors for hybrid electric vehicles
20 Feb 2006
Nanotecture Ltd, the fast growing nanotechnology materials company, announces that it has been awarded a £374.6K grant by the UK’s DTI, to support a two year research and development project entitled “Next Generation Super-capacitors for Hybrid Vehicle Applications”. The project involves a collaboration between Nanotecture Ltd, Johnson Matthey Plc and HILTech Developments Ltd. It will combine Nanotecture’s novel materials technology with Johnson Matthey’s manufacturing skills and HILTech’s system engineering design capability.
The purpose of the project is to demonstrate the benefits of Nanotecture’s proprietary, nanostructured materials in a novel power supply system for hybridelectric vehicles. This system will use super-capacitor technology to improve the overall driving experience of hybrid electric vehicles and increase overall energy efficiency which in turn will have a significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions.
Commenting on today’s announcement Dr Chris
Wright, the chief executive of Nanotecture, said: “I
am very pleased that this powerful consortium of Nanotecture,
Johnson Matthey and HILTech Developments have been selected by the
UK DTI to demonstrate the benefits of Nanotecture materials
technology in improving energy efficiency. We look forward to
working with our partners to develop sustainable solutions to
climate change.”
Dr Rob Potter, Project Manager of Johnson Matthey, said: “This DTI-backed project is a great opportunity for UK industry, via the collaborative partnership of Nanotecture, HILTech and Johnson Matthey, to make advances in clean-energy transport systems for the future. It will complement very well Johnson Matthey’s existing R&D activities in manufacturing for fuel cells and related low-carbon technologies.”
Mr. John Holden, Chief Engineer, of HILTech
Developments, said; “HILTech is very happy to play
its role in this important super-capacitor development. In our view
it will
further enhance the UK’s ability to maintain its position as
a major source of innovation on the world stage. The Project fits
perfectly into the HILTech profile of a leading-edge innovator and
integrator of advanced electric and hybrid power train technologies
for cars through to light rail.”
For further information:
Nanotecture Ltd
Dr Chris
Wright Tel: +44 (0) 23 8076 7074
chris.wright@nanotecture.co.uk
www.nanotecture.co.uk
Johnson Matthey Plc
Dr Rob Potter Tel: +44 (0) 1189 242 000
portterj@matthey.com
www.matthey.com
HILTech Developments Ltd
John Holden, Chief Engineer Tel: +44 (0) 191 488 6258
executive@hiltechdevelopments.com
www.hiltechdevelopments.com
Media enquiries:
Abchurch
Martin Sutton / Gareth Mead Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700
martin.sutton@abchurch-group.com
www.abchurch-group.com
Notes to Editors:
Nanotecture Ltd
Nanotecture Ltd, the fast-growing, nanotechnology materials company, is engaged in product development activity focused into three areas: novel power sources such as super-capacitors and advanced batteries, coatings and sensors. Development contracts and collaboration agreements have been signed with a number of leading companies. Whilst focused on nanotechnology this diverse portfolio of applications both increase the revenue earning opportunities and the chances of long term success.
The company raised £3.6M in May 2005 from Foresight Venture Partners, IP2IPO`s Top Technology, Quester, East Hill (USA) and the Artemis VCT. The company was originally formed around patented templating technology invented at the University of Southampton which gives the company a powerful control over the nanoscale (one billionth of a metre) architectures of a wide range of materials. These materials have unique properties which are different to bulk materials and importantly have characteristics not available from particle based nanomaterials.
Johnson Matthey Plc
Johnson Matthey is a speciality chemicals company focused on its
core skills in catalysts, precious metals and fine chemicals. The
group's principal activities are the manufacture of auto-catalysts
and pollution control systems, catalysts and components for fuel
cells, pharmaceutical compounds, process catalysts and fine
chemicals; the refining, fabrication and marketing of precious
metals; and the manufacture of colours and coatings for the glass
and ceramics industries. Johnson Matthey has continued to develop
its technology for almost 200 years, demonstrating the company's
ability to maintain world leadership by adapting constantly to
rapidly changing customer needs. Rigorous in its own environmental
policies, many of Johnson Matthey's products have a major
beneficial impact on the environment and enhance the quality of
life for millions around the world. Johnson Matthey has operations
in 34 countries and employs around 7,400 people. Its products are
sold
across the world to a wide range of advanced technology
industries.
HILTech Developments Ltd
HILTech Developments Limited was registered in August 1999, as a UK based private research and development, consultancy and engineering services company. The Company’s primary activities comprise: engineering, consultancy, product development and research in the field of zero and ultra-low emission vehicles and related technologies. Research in leading-edge technologies include fuel cell and hybrid systems, fuel cell test stations, energy management, sustainable and renewable energy systems, advanced batteries and super-capacitors. It has a number of strategic alliances and currently is commercially active in Projects in Canada, India, Malta, UK and US.
Super-capacitors
Super-capacitors are energy storage devices capable of providing bursts of very high power combined with rapid recharge. They are finding applications in load levelling, power back-up in electronics (eg in the X-box) and automotive applications. Hybrid electric vehicle technologies and electric vehicle technologies require the assistance of super-capacitors in order to provide sufficient power levels during acceleration and to increase overall energy efficiency via mechanisms such as regenerative braking. Current super-capacitors are low in energy density and expensive to manufacture.
