This project will deliver a proof of market for an innovative zero-emission prime mover
whose liquid fuel already has a distribution network, and has potential for a significant role in
absorbing intermittent renewable energy.
The Dearman heat-engine uses cryogenic liquid air or nitrogen as a “fuel”, and draws ambient
or low-grade waste heat to drive a high-efficiency evaporation process. As a prime-mover, it
offers zero emissions in use, similar range to an EV, similar cost to an ICE, fast (equal to
petrol/diesel) refuelling with a liquid, and very favourable embedded carbon due to use of
common materials in its construction. Use of off-peak electricity, grid buffering and synergy
with evaporation of Liquid Natural Gas offers a promising route to de-carbonising the cryogen
liquefaction process, giving well-to-wheel emissions similar to a future hydrogen vehicle.
Design and development of the Dearman Engine is on-going in a parallel project funded by
investors, which targets application as a waste heat recovery device for heavy duty ICEs,
using low-grade coolant heat. However the Dearman Engine’s thermal cycle means that
ambient heat harvested in a heat-exchanger is sufficient to achieve reasonable efficiency,
introducing the possibility of using it as a ZEV prime mover.
The environmental need for ZEVs for public and private transport is well known, although
existing solutions are not achieving high uptake, even with subsidies. However, there are
other ZEV markets with lower volumes and higher price-points driven by operational
requirements, like indoor goods handling and mining, which would provide an attractive
stepping-stone to the wider ZEV market. This study will develop a proof of those markets,
through techno-economic analysis of the business case for the technology in each market,
understanding market drivers and needs. A market entry strategy and business plan will be
produced, and the specific requirements of the ambient heat exchanger will be considered.