WMG officially opens hybrid powertrain testing facility

The £2.28m facility will ultimately assist in the development of future hybrid and all-electric technology, although the team behind it believes there may be an initial learning curve.

‘Because it is so different to current capabilities, actually coming up with the best methodologies is almost part of the research at the moment, but we know it will make a big difference and provide a lot of benefits,’ Prof Paul Jennings of the WMG told The Engineer.

The VEF uses two dynamometers with the advanced ’Texcel’ control system, plus a robot driver to enable the testing of various hybrid powertrain designs. The two dynamometers are installed in parallel and can test electric motors and petrol, diesel, ethanol or biofuel internal combustion engines.

‘We’re looking at how to optimise supervisory control, characterise components, improve energy management and stop-start performance, local emissions as well as CO₂ emissions — there’s lots of things we can make an impact on,’ said Jennings.