THE HARDSTAFF GROUP WINS LORD STAFFORD AWARD “INNOVATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY”
Nottingham 15th September –The Hardstaff Group, global leaders in the design, development and supply of low carbon dual fuel vehicle technologies that significantly reduce the carbon footprint in the road transport sector, are pleased to announce that they have won the “Innovation for Sustainability” category of the 2010 Lord Staffordshire Awards for the East Midlands
The Hardstaff Oil-Ignition Gas-Injection (OIGI®) system is a patented combustion technology that simultaneously burns two fuels, fossil or renewable natural gas (Biomethane) and diesel. Diesel is required as the ignition source and gas injection commences when speed increases from idle. Substitution by natural gas is around 60% - 70% and the system cuts CO2 engine emissions by approximately 16% - 20%, double when using Biomethane. There are significant reductions in all other tail-pipe pollutants which further benefit the environment
The system is unique in that it maintains the integrity of the manufacturer’s on-board system and does not require access to the manufacturer’s engine control unit (ECU). A number of European manufacturers are supporting the Hardstaff dual fuel system, including Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
The award was presented in recognition of the collaboration between the Hardstaff Group and Loughborough University at a special ceremony held at the Leicester Athena on 9th September.
Hardstaff worked closely with the Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering on modelling gas flow and the simulation of dual fuel operation. “Dual fuel is very significant in the move to low carbon alternative fuels,” commented Trevor Fletcher, Managing Director. “Our collaboration with Loughborough University has enabled us to technologically advance our system for the emerging markets, by providing a system which gives instant reductions in greenhouse gases and polluting emissions,” he continued.
Further collaboration with the University, partly funded by emda, has led to a state-of-the-art engine test cell being built at the Hardstaff headquarters in Nottingham. This will enable tests on multiple fuel and alternative fuel engines of the future and will validate engine performance, fuel economy and tail pipe emissions.
The Hardstaff OIGI® system is currently being fitted to the major polluters - heavy goods vehicles - but the technology is designed for a much wider range of application, with current sales through appointed distributors far afield as Brazil.
Hardstaff have always been on the leading edge of technical innovation, and to enable the switch from diesel to natural gas, they provide turn-key solutions that include refuelling stations, fuel supply and support. This enables a “headache free” entry level for the operator who will benefit from significant CO2 savings and a reduction in fuel costs.
From left, Tony King, Projects Manager and Trevor Fletcher, Managing Director of The Hardstaff Group receive "Innovation for Sustainability" award alongside Loughborough University.
