OakTec is developing a range of industrial engine technologies, in the 2-50kw range, that are optimised to produce the best combination of fuel efficiency with ultra-low exhaust emissions to benefit air quality and reduce CO2 output. Our innovations in digital engine control and combustion strategies deliver a step change in the performance of small engines and bring gas engine technology into the 21st century. Our small engine products are price competitive with high quality diesel engines of equivalent performance and comply with all current global emission regulations. This technology in our CAGE generators has completed extensive trials within the HS2 rail project, using bioLPG fuel supplied by project partner, Calor.
OakTec is developing engine technologies to overcome the many challenges of achieving efficient and reliable combustion of biogas in small engines. Innovation and R&D supported by the UK government through the Energy Catalyst program has now resulted in a world-leading solution that enables our biogas engine to deliver the same performance as a diesel engine of equivalent capacity, using low quality biogas fuel containing 50% CO2. The engines connect directly to the anaerobic digestor that converts bio waste to gas fuel. OakTec is working in partnership with Sistema Bio, global market leader in micro AD, and together we are demonstrating our world class biogas generators on off-grid farms in Kenya.
OakTec has worked with partner Advante to integrate CAGE Gas engines with solar battery hybrid building power systems. These have been demonstrated in site welfare units on the HS2 construction project and demonstrate a worst case CO2 saving of over 70% compared with the diesel generator norm. OakTec and partners, including Advante, are continuing to develop this technology to optimise its efficiency and maximise the emission and air quality benefits.
In response to the challenges set out in achieving a zero-carbon economy, OakTec built and tested three prototype hydrogen engines in 2018/19 using adaptations of our gas engine technology portfolio. The engines were tuned to eliminate all harmful emissions including NOx and one engine was successfully demonstrated powering a small vehicle. Hydrogen is a key direction for future development of OakTec’s gas engine technology platforms. A hydrogen-solar-hybrid building power system is currently in development and will be trialled in 2022.