Liquid nitrogen engine concept a step closer to reality
A zero emission engine that runs on liquid nitrogen has moved a step closer to commercial reality following a successful technology review and feasibility study.
The Dearman Engine concept was given the green light by engineering consultancy Ricardo and a team of UK academics and research experts. Ricardo's team of engineers validated the work carried out so far and said it saw no reason why a demonstration engine couldn't be built inside the next two years.
Toby Peters, founder of Dearman Engine Company, said: "Clearly we still have a long way to go to build a fully optimised demonstration engine and also to 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."
Ricardo's project director for research and collaboration, Nick Owen, believes the technology could compete with hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric systems in zero emission applications. "In the longer term, the technology could also be suitable for small vehicles operating in urban environments," he said.
