Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TOGB20250417005
- Term of Validity
- 17 April 2025 - 17 April 2026
- Company's Country
- United Kingdom
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- A UK SME is offering their patented clean energy tech (Air-KERS) that captures kinetic airflow to extend EV range and boost efficiency. Targeting road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors, the company seeks partners to prototype, test, and develop the system. The goal is to accelerate transport decarbonisation and reduce charging reliance. Collaboration is sought via a commercial agreement with technical support.
- Full Description
-
A UK-based start-up has developed an innovative generator array with a patented clean energy generation technology (Air-KERS) that enables energy generation from kinetic energy in various electric-based transportation modes (road, rail, maritime, aviation). This university-validated (TRL 3/4) system extends electric vehicle range by capturing, otherwise wasted airflow energy. The technology utilises a patented generator array and air ducts to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity, which is then directed to the battery or propulsion system, increasing the operating range.
A feasibility study on electric buses demonstrates the system's potential for range extension, even in this low speed, stop/start example, by optimizing airflow via air ducts.
The system incorporates a number of BLDC (Brushless DC ) outer-rotor motors as generators, all rotors are connected via rigid ties within its generator array and spin in unison. Each generator stator within the array can be controlled individually to match the torque available from the airflow captured in the ducting system. The airflow derived torque and resulting energy generation output is dependant on the speed of the vehicle i.e. 50 mph can capture sufficient airflow to rotate the generator array and produce 1300w in the test unit configuration. Energy generation was demonstrated from speeds of 20 Mph and above. The system design means there is no increase in drag and no increase in energy consumption, this is overcome with the unique ducting design and generator array being situated outside of the ducted airflow, only the blades, attached to the generator array are exposed to the airflow. The study results showed a reduction in the vehicles overall drag, further improving efficiency and range. Additional benefits are to be determined but potentially enable smaller, lighter, technology combination battery systems.
The desired outcome of the international partnership is to accelerate the development and commercialisation of the technology, leveraging EU funding and licensing opportunities to enable broader adoption of sustainable transport solutions. The client envisions partners contributing to prototype refinement, system integration, and market entry strategies through a commercial agreement with technical assistance. - Advantages and Innovations
- The Air-KERS technology offers a novel approach to extend the range of electric vehicles, a critical factor for wider EV (Electric Vehicles or modes of transportation) adoption. By capturing otherwise wasted kinetic energy, it increases range, efficiency and reduces reliance on grid charging. The technology's adaptability across road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors presents a significant innovation for transport decarbonisation. Key innovations include the use of optimised air ducts to enhance airflow capture and the intelligent control of individually controllable generators within the array to maximise energy harvesting across varying vehicle speeds. Reduced drag of vehicle.
- Stage of Development
- Under development
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- IPR status
- IPR granted
- IPR notes
- IPR granted (UK, Europe, India, China & USA)
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
-
The client seeks partners with expertise in:
- Electric motor and generator design, development, and control systems.
- Advanced electronics and programmable control systems for energy management and system optimisation.
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for air duct design and aerodynamic analysis.
- Aerodynamics, specifically related to vehicle integration and drag reduction.
- Material science for turbine blade design and optimisation.
- Prototype development and testing in relevant transport applications (e.g., electric vehicle integration).
Expected Role:
- Experience in bringing new energy technologies to market.
- Refining the prototype design and developing functional prototypes for specific applications.
- Conducting rigorous testing and validation of the system's performance and reliability.
- Optimising the system's integration with existing electric vehicle platforms (e.g., electric buses / coaches, HGV’s, Cars, Trains).
- Developing control strategies to maximise energy harvesting and overall system efficiency.
- Contributing to the development of a commercialisation strategy and market entry plan.
- Providing technical expertise and resources to overcome development challenges.
The funding for the above collaboration will be supported by the client via EU/UK funding programmes, loans and privately financed. Licensing the technology is also an option and will be considered. - Type and Size of Partner
- SME <=10
- Big company
- R&D Institution
- University
- SME 50 - 249
- SME 11-49
- Type of partnership
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 04002011 - Micro-generation and grid connection
- 04002002 - Hydrogen production
- 04002009 - Turbines
- 04002005 - Generators, electric engines and power converters
- Market keywords
- 06008 - Energy Storage
- 06002003 - Power grid and distribution
- 06009 - Energy Distribution
- Targeted countries
- All countries