Novel engine idea gains grant

Targeted at off-highway and stationary power applications, the Ultramo (ultra large temperature ratio motor) is claimed to have the potential to achieve thermal efficiency of 60% – said to be double that of conventional engine technology – by eliminating the majority of heat losses. As well as significantly reducing running costs, the technology is said to halve CO₂ emissions, and to offer an estimated 8dBA reduction of noise, an important factor in achieving the future EU 5 emissions standard. The company says the engine can run on any combustible fuel, so can employ sustainable and carbon-neutral fuels as they become more readily available.

Development of the engine is now able to proceed further, as the Haywards Heath-based company has received a significant grant of nearly £90,000 from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). This will allow Ultramo to fund the development of a prototype engine.

The internal combustion engine has the potential to halve the carbon output in mechanical power applications, and achieve thermal efficiency of 60% – double that of current engines.

“We’ve already invited 17 leading engine, chemical and materials specialists to evaluate our technology. They have all agreed that our theory is based on sound thermodynamics and presents an original solution to the process of converting fuel into power,” said Chrissi Wilkins, managing director, Ultramo. “This grant has made a big difference in helping us to develop a working prototype. The ULTRaMo engine has the potential to be the biggest breakthrough the industry has seen since 1876 when Otto built the first practical four-stroke internal combustion engine.”