The Dearman Engine – a zero emission engine which runs on liquid air – took a step
towards commercial reality as Ricardo, a consultancy for engineering, technology,
project innovation and strategy, and a team of UK academics and research experts
concluded they have found no challenges for which potential engineering solutions have
not been identified. Critically,they believe a demonstration engine can be built inside two years.
Along with validating the work to date, the engineering team from Ricardo is confident that,
given its projected performance, there are numerous practical applications for the use of
Dearman Engine in the future marketplace: “the technology could compete with hydrogen fuel
cell and battery electric systems in zero emission applications.”
Ricardo has confirmed the two key benefits – low cost and simplicity – and believe these
could aid the penetration of this technology: “in the longer term, the technology could also be
suitable for small vehicles operating in urban environments.”
Toby Peters, founder of Dearman Engine Company explained: “This is a rigorous
independent technology review and engine feasibility study by a highly respected global
engineering consultancy. Clearly we still have a long way to go to build a fully optimised
demonstration engine and also get people to believe that using cold air as an energy vector is
not a load of hot air. Ricardo’s thumbs-up gives us real confidence that we have something
exciting.”
With due diligence concluded, the Dearman Engine Company and Ricardo are starting
work on the development of the demonstration engine. Ricardo believes that the company
should have a fully characterised demonstration engine inside two years. Said Nick Owen,
project director for research and collaboration at Ricardo UK, “We look forward to working
with DEC in the coming months to help bring its technology closer towards commercial
maturity.”
Working alongside Ricardo, DEC enjoys the active support of a team of University research
experts from Loughborough, Brighton, Leeds and Queen Mary Universities and STFC. This
team meets regularly to support the work of Ricardo and specifically bring specific expertise
around different aspects of this very novel engine technology.
DEC has confirmed with this key technical verification, it is planning formal fundraising
early this year to support full commercial development.