The next stage to prepare market readiness is estimated to be 24 months. During the execution of this feasibility study, we have prepared a plan for implementation covering that period. EKU will conduct activities to upgrade, implement and validate GYBRID components, assemble them and validate the final solution in real industrial conditions, to further demonstrate the readiness of the solution before its market launch. Breaking down by component: 1) Battery and power electronics upgrade: design, implement and validate the system for both the diesel and the natural gas engine. The battery module design will be upgraded and validated. 2) The embedded power control software will be further calibrated and tested for fleet management. Improvements will also be made in the operational software to obtain a user-friendly man machine interface. 3) A system prototype will be assembled and tested against parameters of fuel efficiency, maintenance intervals, non-productive time (NPT), and emissions, in real operational field environment of one end user. 4) Further planning of the production of GYBRID units: design of the supply chain; planning of the storage and assembling of the components (power electronics, battery system, and master control unit); inspection, quality assessment and shipment to clients. Documentation and testing necessary for Functional Safety according to IEC 61508 International Standard will be prepared. Moreover, EKU has built a network through the whole value chain of Oil&Gas early adopters, from the components manufacturers, system integrators and technical service providers and operators.
EKU will initially target the replacement of diesel-fueled power drives in the hydraulic pumping market, with the progressive commercialization of the three systems derived from the work undertaken in the project, i.e. ESC (Engine Stand-By Controller), Mild Hybrid (hybrid diesel-electric) and Gybrid (hybrid natural gas-electric). After 2022, GYBRID technology will also help electrification of other off-road transport applications in segments with strong demand for GYBRID technology (near shore vessels such as tugs and tow boats, dump trucks for mineral and construction industries, and rails expected in the future). The initial market price for the technology has been set, related to the short payback time for EKU’s customers, estimated at two years. EKU forecasts a cumulative revenue of ~€78M by 2022 and the creation of 75 new jobs.