A fuel saving, emission reducing and cost effective Continuosuly Variable Transmission for European passenger vehicles

Project Information

KRG-250

Grant agreement ID: 744697

DOI

10.3030/744697

Project closed

EC signature date 14 November 2016

Start date 1 December 2016

End date 28 February 2017

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

GIF ENTWICKLUNGSGESELLSCHAFT MBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - KRG-250 (A fuel saving, emission reducing and cost effective Continuosuly Variable Transmission for European passenger vehicles)

Reporting period: 2016-12-01 to 2017-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The KRG250, is a fully patented cone ring CVT, which eliminates the need for hydraulic control through our novel ring adjustment system. The KRG250 is lighter and smaller than competition, this allows us to offer 30% production cost savings with users benefiting from 25% improved efficiency and up to 30% reduced fuel consumption as well as CO2 savings.

The automotive industry is highly competitive and has strict regulations on emissions. Thus, providing a vehicle that both adheres to these regulations and provides advanced fuel efficiencies gives vehicle manufacturers strong incentive to constantly improve and innovate.

The overarching Feasibility Study objective was to conduct the necessary activity and collate the required information to strengthen the business case and prepare for further fundraising (Phase 2) and development of the GIF-E Technology. To achieve this, we have fulfilled the following objectives:
• Technical and commercial risk assessed and mitigations identified
• Business model and sales figures validated against market conditions
• Innovation project work plan and budget
• Marketing strategies developed
• Five-year business model

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During this Feasibility Study, a key action completed was to validate the business model and sales figures against market conditions, this was achieved by: using market reports and competitor analysis to determine potential market share and best and worst case sales scenarios. We have developed a sales model which has been validated by voice of customer interviews and surveys collected at our demonstrator day, at which many key OEMs and Tier 1’s attended. We have also: assessed technical and commercial risks and identified mitigations; validated the business model and sales figures against market conditions; produced our Phase 2 project work plan and budget; developed marketing strategies and produced a five-year business model. All of these outputs have enabled us to review our business strategy and refine our business plan.

Having undertaken this Feasibility Study, we are now confident that the KRG 250 technology is commercially viable. Therefore, we are proceeding with our plans to reach market as soon as possible. To achieve this, we shall submit a Horizon 2020 Phase 2 application to enable us to complete the technology development to increase capability, to complete commercial trials to gain market reference and continue our current route for commercialisation.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The KRG is a friction CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that uses a two-cone design connected by a ring with a unique ratio adjustment mechanism. Ratio adjustment is proactive, derived entirely using mechanical movement, calculated through position difference between ring and optimal position. This creates a stable system, with low energy losses, able to meet rapid ratio adjustment requirements. The benefits this innovation brings to vehicle manufacturers include:

• 25% improved efficiency over existing CVT systems in real world driving – at 95% this meets the performance capability of a MT (Manual Transmission) system
• Achieves fuel consumption reduction of up to 30% over conventional AT (Automatic Transmission) with an associated reduction in CO2 emissions
• As there is no hydraulic requirement KRG is manufactured from few parts and so is very cost efficient, seeing up to 30% cost saving over AT, including new DCT (Double Clutch Transmission) systems.

KRG component parts

Cone pair with ring