Transportation Energy R&D;

The HyFATE group Transportation Energy R&D program works in partnership with industry, universities and other governments to share the costs of transportation energy R&D. HyFATE funding in FY 2004/05 for transportation energy R&D was about $2M. By working with private industry and other government programs funding is leveraged considerably.

The funding is allocated in the following areas: natural gas vehicles; biodiesel; electric vehicles; and transportation energy. In the past, work also addressed end-use issues with ethanol and methanol.

Natural Gas R&D

During the last two decades HyFATE's Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) program has helped to develop an industry that is the world leader, with state of the art technology. IMW Industries of Chilliwack, B.C., is the established leader for compressors and Dynetek Industries of Calgary for high pressure carbon fibre storage tanks. Today R&D work continues with NRCan developing an integrated control and monitoring system in partnership with the Saskatchewan Research Council, ECO Fuel Systems, Technocarb Equipment Ltd, Yugo-Tech and Dynetek. This technology employs neural control technology (artificial intelligence) to control the complete natural gas system and monitors the safety of high pressure storage tank. Under NRCan funding, the industry developed safety standards and regulations which are being used as a benchmark for international standards.

Contact:
Andy Beregszaszy
Manager, Automotive Technology
Natural Gas R&D
Ph: (613) 996-8557

Biodiesel R&D

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can offer significant climate change, air quality and waste management benefits to Canada. A $11.9M biodiesel initiative was included as part of the August 12, 2003 Climate Change Plan for Canada announcement. HyFATE is responsible for the end-use R&D activities under this initiative.

The initiative includes projects such as: BIOMER demonstration to evaluate the use of biodiesel in marine applications; a study to address health issues related to biodiesel production from animal fats; a heavy-duty truck fleet demonstration on highway 401 between Toronto and Detroit; and, at the NRCan vehicle pool at 580 Booth, the introduction of diesel passenger cars and a new biodiesel refuelling station.

Contact:
Melanie Nadeau
Program Officer, Biodiesel
Ph: (613) 947-2370

Electric Vehicles R&D

The Electric Vehicle R&D Program at HyFATE focuses on the development of fuel cell, electric and hybrid vehicle components and their supporting infrastructures. For the purposes of this Program, an electric vehicle is defined as a vehicle that includes an electric propulsion system. Therefore battery-powered, fuel cell-powered and hybrid-electric vehicles are all examples of such vehicles. Current activities are focused on the development of advanced battery systems. HyFATE is working with Electrovaya of Mississauga to develop new applications for its Lithium Ion batteries. Agile Systems Inc. of Waterloo has developed a family of intelligent power control modules. The Program has also participated in the development of standards for the EV industry and has supported student competitions involving solar and hybrid electric vehicles.

Contact:
Ian MacIntyre
Research Officer, Electric Vehicles
Ph: (613) 943-2257

Vehicle Efficiency R&D

The HyFATE vehicle efficiency program focuses on the development of advanced materials, driving cycle analysis, auxiliaries and regenerative breaking systems and energy storage. HyFATE is working with Flywheel Energy Systems of Ottawa in developing a mechanical battery (flywheel) for urban buses to improve vehicle efficiency. In addition technology assessments are conducted in the lab and through technical demonstration projects and field trials to provide data on factors such as fuel economy, reliability, safety, environmental impacts and cost benefits.

Contact:
Gary Baker
Project Officer, Mechanical Systems
Ph: (613) 992-4108