Delta Motorsport has launched a new micro-turbine technology, which can be used as a range extender to help electric cars match the mileage of petrol or diesel-powered equivalents.The innovative MiTRE system was developed with support from Innovate UK.
Delta has produced two complete MiTRE prototype systems with 17kW power output and has fitted one into its in-house EV, the E-4 Coupe. Ariel and Morgan have already signed up with Delta to develop 17kW and 35kW power output versions of MiTRE.
When scaled to 35kW output power, MiTRE is approximately 40% smaller and 50% lighter than an equivalent piston engine device, yet still achieves a target of close to 30% thermal efficiency (280g/kWh) with extremely low emissions. MiTRE is also adaptable – for example it can be run on a range of fuels, and fitting a larger heat exchanger improves thermal efficiency to nearly 35% (240g/kWh).
Said Delta Motorsport’s MD Simon Dowson, “This is an exciting and challenging project. One of the main issues seemingly holding electric cars back is the lack of range, but this technology changes that. We demonstrated proof of concept when we fitted one of the prototypes to our E4 Coupe electric sportscar, and our projections show the cost of the system is low enough to be attractive to the automotive market, so we have a really potent solution to advance the take-up of electric vehicles.”
September 20, 2016