Hubbard Dearman Engine project chosen by Innovate UK

The government has announced that the creation of a low-carbon emission Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) being developed by Suffolk based Hubbard Products in collaboration with the Dearman Engine Company, and the University of Birmingham has been selected as one of fifteen projects to boost the UK’s position as a world leader in low emission vehicle technology.

Speaking at Nissan’s European technical development centre at Cranfield, Bedfordshire on 26th February 2015 Transport Minister, Baroness Kramer said government support for “Ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) will help ensure the innovation, that is a hallmark of the British automotive industry, will continue to drive development in this vital growth sector.”

The government’s Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board) has committed an additional £11m of funding across the fifteen projects and the Hubbard/Dearman project are leading the field in developing alternative, sustainable sources of low emission motive power for Transport Refrigeration Units. The system uses Dearman’s technology to harness liquid air or liquid nitrogen to drive an engine that supplies power to drive the refrigeration unit and boosts cooling efficiency by capturing the zero-emission exhaust products. This technology could cut well-to-wheel CO2 emissions of refrigerated vehicles by 35% and provide a substantial cost saving for fuel.

Pat Maughan, Managing Director of Hubbard Products commented "This is exciting news for Hubbard Products' collaboration with the Dearman Engine Company. Energy efficiency has always been high on our transport refrigeration agenda. The ability to reduce emissions by removing auxiliary diesel power, capture additional cooling capacity from the liquid nitrogen engine AND produce surplus electric power confirms how vision and innovation can be fast-tracked when great minds think alike. "We have a strong and symbiotic relationship with Dearman. By applying our refrigeration engineering knowledge and vision, we can make the world a more productive and healthier place."