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Loughborough University to exhibit at Cenex-LCV

Loughborough University will be one of more than a hundred exhibitors at this year’s Cenex-LCV event.

Cenex-LCV is a UK low carbon event taking place 12-13 September in Millbrook, Bedfordshire, consisting of a technology exhibition, seminar programme, opportunity to network as well as the chance to test the latest research in the field.

Representatives from the University will be on hand to discuss the full range of LCV expertise to be found in Loughborough, where long-standing partnerships have been established with SMEs, global brands, other research institutions and government stakeholders.

One of its many strengths is the sheer breadth of expertise that the University brings to the table, and the transdisciplinary teams it assembles to address industry-wide challenges.

As well as the more obvious capabilities around powertrains and propulsion technology, fuel cells and energy storage, optimal vehicle design and aerodynamics, Loughborough University also conducts world-leading research in advanced and light-weight materials, including composite testing.

With conventional internal combustion engines predicted to be the prime propulsion system for road vehicles for the next 20 years at least, Loughborough experts are exploring ways to reduce their environmental impact.

At last year’s event, the University showcased its multi-award-winning ACCT system that extends the temperature range at which AdBlueTM operates – greatly enhancing the effectiveness of SCR systems in on-highway and heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

The novel technology effectively integrates with existing reduction systems and, to date, no other technology exists that functions at low temperatures and uses the readily available, industry-standard AdBlueTM.

The team behind the new system have returned to this year’s event – this time, with their prototype vehicle demonstrator.

Longer term, connected and autonomous transport systems are expected to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions – another area where the University’s researchers are making a valuable contribution. Loughborough is the lead academic partner in Smart Mobility Living Lab: London, a real-world test bed for connected and autonomous vehicles.

An emerging strand of Loughborough’s work in the area of green CAV explores the interface between green powertrain and autonomous technologies. Key to this research is maintaining vehicle performance and safety whilst improving efficiency.

By marrying enhanced powertrain models with machine intelligence, vehicles will “learn” to read their surroundings, and make controlled decisions that are both safe and efficient, whatever the driving conditions and environment.

The University’s Additive Manufacturing Research Group is one of the leading centres in its field for research, development and dissemination. Coupled with capability in sustainable and electronics manufacturing, it is pioneering the development of electronic components that are robust, lightweight, multifunctional and efficient throughout the lifecycle.

Meanwhile, Loughborough Design School is home to researchers who – in partnership with Nissan – have worked to revolutionise the driving position in light commercial vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and vehicle mass whilst optimising cargo space and driver safety and comfort.

Beyond vehicle technologies, the University also supports the development of improved transport infrastructure, including the enhancement of public transport networks and policy worldwide.

As well as nurturing its own research expertise, the University’s Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) is home to some key players in the low carbon sector, including Cenex and the ETI. LUSEP’s growing cluster of tenants within the energy sector, spanning early-stage to global organisations, facilitates some innovative cross-sector collaborations.

Professor Martin Passmore, Head of the University’s Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering Department, said of the upcoming event:

“We always look forward to Cenex-LCV. It gives us the ideal opportunity to showcase the multiple strands of our LCV expertise, and meet with potential partners and stakeholders to further the impact of our work.”

The team will be available to speak to at stand C-3 318 in Hall 3 at the event. For more information, visit the Cenex-LCV website.

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