AUGUST 2008 – GIBSON INDEX NEWSLETTER
HEADLINE NEWS
First pilot competition for reformed SBRI programme opens, says TSB
SBRI is aimed at businesses working on the development of an innovative process, material, device, product or service. Successful businesses will be those whose technology addresses specific needs identified in the competitions, and could make a measurable improvement to what is currently being procured by the target government department. SBRI projects are intended to achieve major milestones on the route to commercialisation, including prototyping and demonstration, and to be particularly helpful to early stage companies.
The Technology Strategy Board’s reformed SBRI is a procurement programme - Government Departments buy research and development services, helping to bring new technologies to market and leading to the possibility of future commercial procurement in the public sector.
These developments will be 100% funded and will be targeted at specific identified needs in each Department, increasing the chance of exploitation. Suppliers for each project will be selected by an open competition process and retain the IPR generated from the project, with certain rights of use retained by the contracting department.
The specific topics for the MOD pilots (both Phase 1projects) are:
• Energising the Armed Forces (£300k). This includes: in-theatre energy generation and energy scavenging; extending the efficiency and deployability of alternative energy sources and energy storage; reducing energy consumption of devices, directly or indirectly; improving conventional fuel efficiency.
• Cut Costs not Ships – whole life cost reduction in the maritime sector (£400k). This includes: reducing facility dependence, particularly docks and dockyards; the ability to replace equipment by ‘plug and play’; reducing through life cost of fluid systems; better metal preservation; improved configuration control / inventory management via electronic remote sensing; system integration (commission, alignment, calibration) through tele-engineering.
The assessment date for both of these competitions is 30th September 2008.
Further competitions will be announced via the Technology Strategy Board website in the coming months. Following early evaluation of the pilots in the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Health, they‘anticipate full roll-out of the reformed model to other Departments in April 2009’.
- Application is through the Centre for Defence Enterprise portal at
Contact: SBRI programme email
Innovative materials targeted in new £10m EPSRC-TSB R&D projects
The Technology Strategy Board and EPSRC are to jointly invest over £10 million in 16 innovative research and development projects into materials technologies that will help meet the country’s energy challenges.
The investments will support the research and development of materials technologies that offer solutions to problems within the sector. The focus of the projects will be on the development of technologies and materials for energy generation, transmission & distribution, storage and conservation.
The projects include research and development in areas such as:
- Energy efficient bio-based natural fibre insulation
- New materials and methods for energy efficient tidal turbines
- A new manufacturing process to produce a novel cellular vacuum insulation panel for retrofit into buildings, to reduce heat loss and energy
- Sustainable power cable materials technologies with improved whole life performance
Details of most of the 16 projects currently available are:
Title: High rate, high energy batteries utilising structured electrode materials.
Summary: The project aims to scale up structured cathode processes that will produce high rate, high energy batteries for use in hybrid diesel/gas/bio fuel powered electrical generation equipment.
Partners: QinetiQ Ltd (lead), ABSL Power Solutions Ltd, The Boeing Company.
Title: Polymer Photovoltaic Architectural Glass.
Summary: The objective is the development of low cost, translucent photovoltaic architectural glass based on conjugated organic polymers (OPV) for applications in building windows and curtain walling.
Partners: Polysolar Limited (lead), Linde Electronics, Imperial College, Sagentia Ltd, Pilkington Technology Management Ltd.
Title: Energy efficient bio-based natural fibre insulation.
Summary: The overall aim of this project is to develop a sustainable, thin and highly efficient natural fibre insulation solution, suitable for new build as well as offering a practical solution for the refurbishment market.
Partners: Bangor University (lead), Hemcore Ltd, Natural Building Technologies, Nonwovens Innovation and Research Institute Limited, Plant Fibre Technology Ltd, Rachel Bevan Architects and Consultants, SciTech Ltd, Wates Construction Ltd, University of East London.
Title: Advanced Ceramic Matrix Composites for Energy Generating Gas Turbine Applications.
Summary: The project will develop a high temperature oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) for use in power generating gas turbine applications. This will provide a step change in temperature capability enabling higher operating temperatures, improving engine efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.
Partners: Rolls-Royce plc (lead), Advanced Composites Group, SwanseaUniversity, University of Birmingham.
Title: PURPOSE - Plastic UV Radiation Protection Operating by Stokes Emission.
Summary: This project aims to develop novel energy harvesting products for a wide range of applications. This will be achieved by enhancing the properties of polymer composites; more efficient use of solar/thermal energy, longer life and recyclability. Partners: Intrinsiq Materials Ltd (lead), Bayer Material Science, Brunel University, Johnson Matthey plc.
Title: New Materials and Methods for Energy Efficient Tidal Turbines NEW-MMEETT.
Summary: This Project aims to optimise energy efficiency and return on investment by reducing the fatigue factors used for thick composite sections by developing tailor-made resins and using state-of-the-art aerospace technologies (modelling, testing, SHM) to design efficient tidal turbine blades.
Partners: Advanced Composites Group Limited (lead), Aviation Enterprises Ltd, Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Ltd, University of Bristol.
Title: HEAT-SAVE: A new manufacturing process to produce a novel cellular vacuum insulation panel for retrofit into buildings to reduce heat loss and energy.
Summary: The aim is to develop a vacuum insulative panel for use in the construction industry by using a novel vacuum insulating foam sandwiched between enhanced layers of aircrete. The HeatSave project will allow UK builders to meet upcoming legislative demands for energy efficiency of buildings by developing an innovative product that is applicable to new and existing buildings.
Partners: H+H UK Limited (lead), Alchemie Ltd, Brandon Hire PLC, Explore Living PLC, Minett Group, Pera Innovation Ltd, UVASOL Ltd.
Title: Advanced Surface Protection to Enable Carbon Abatement Technologies (ASPECT)
Summary: The project is concerned with the development of coatings and application techniques for the protection of both the fireside and steamside surfaces of high temperature boiler components.
Partners: Doosan Babcock (lead), Cranfield University, E.ON UK plc, Monitor Coatings Limited, National Physical Laboratory, RWE npower, Sulzer Metco (UK) Ltd.
Title: High-temperature Silicon Carbide Electronics (HITSIC).
Summary: This project aims to develop a new Silicon Carbide (SiC) materials process to realise high-temperature electronics (above 300 C with 450 C as target) for energy applications. The project will investigate Silicon Carbide (SiC) materials and processes for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) structures; attempting to provide a unique design and manufacturing capability for high temperature SiC low-voltage electronics.
Partners: Raytheon Systems Limited (lead), University of Strathclyde.
Title: New homogeneous and novel cathode catalyst materials for liquid regenerating non-platinum PEM fuel cells.
Summary: This project will deliver new non precious metal based chemical materials fit for purpose (including suitability for application and process scale up) for the cathode of liquid regenerating PEM type fuel cells.
Partners: ACAL Energy Ltd (lead), Newcastle University, Thomas Swan and Co. Ltd, University of Liverpool.
Title: Nano-Engineered Catalyst Layers and Sub-Structures (NECLASS).
Summary: This project aims to design and develop novel fuel cell catalyst layers with a factor of two increase in platinum catalyst mass activity compared to current approaches. It will do this by nano-engineering the layer structures to overcome low utilisation of the catalyst on two scales.
Partners: Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Ltd (lead), Qudos Technology Ltd, Teer Coatings Limited, Thomas Swan and Co Ltd.
Title: Low cost integrated PV in double glazed windows using CdTe bifacial solar cells.
Summary: It is proposed to develop a novel low cost photovoltaic (PV) double glazed window concept based on a semi-transparent bifacial Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) ultra-thin film solar cell.
Partners: Arup (Lead), Pilkington Group, CREST (Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, LoughboroughUniversity), Applied Multilayers.
In a second move by the Technology Strategy Board, minister Ian Pearson launched an £8.8m helicopter technology research and development programme, led by Somerset-based AgustaWestland.
The REACT – Rotor Embedded Actuator Control Technology – project will see AgustaWestland collaborating with Bristol, Leicester and Liverpool universities, and will receive investment of £4.4m from the Technology Strategy Board.
The three-year project involves the development of active surfaces in helicopter rotor blades, and active hydraulic systems in rotor controls. These active systems continuously vary the aerodynamics of the rotors to provide optimal performance.
Full-scale laboratory validation of the technology will be produced, while the project will also investigate and develop the manufacturing methods that will be needed to produce the innovative technology in volume.
‘Tigers of Tomorrow’ on view at CambridgeEnterprise Conference
An opportunity to see technologies and near market products developed by early-stage companies and entrepreneurs will take place at the 9th CambridgeEnterprise Conference, at which entrepreneurs, business leaders and leading academics will share their strategies for accelerating growth and building sustainable businesses.
The event is hosted by St John’s Innovation Centre and held at ChurchillCollege in parallel with ‘Put a Tiger in Your Tank?’.
Demonstrations by the technologists include:
- A magnetic fridge which offers improved performance without using harmful gases
- A smart cat flap which has revolutionised the field of RFID
- Hospital fabrics that combat infections such as MRSA
- A web-based ‘answer engine’ that accurately responds to queries phrased in natural language
- Intelligent image search which can look ‘inside’ photographs
- Undersea acoustic data transmitters that reduce disturbance to sea life
- A tiny, highly accurate temperature sensor to help women monitor fertility
- An innovative electronic textbook and collaborative learning resource
- A lightweight eco-car made from recycled materials
- Wearable electronics using washable smart textiles
- ‘Green’ alternatives to injection moulded plastics using plant fibre composites
- A multilingual interpreting system to help GPs with non-English-speaking patients.
‘Stellar’ team takes top MoD ‘Grand Challenge’ prize for battlefield innovators
Grand Challenge is the MoD’s major competition to produce a vehicle capable of identifying threats encountered by UK troops on current operations.
Team Stellar beat six others who qualified for the final competition days. Their entry, SATURN - an integrated system with one high flying and one mini UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), and a UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) with a control station fusing data from visual, thermal and radar sensors - gave them the competition edge.
Launched by the MoD in 2006, the contest asked teams to come up with autonomous flying and ground vehicles capable of identifying threats such as marksmen, vehicles mounted with heavy weapons, roadside bombs and armed militia.
Out of 23 teams who originally applied to the competition, seven qualified for the final held over the last three days at Copehill Down, a village on Salisbury Plain specially built by the military for urban warfare training. Vehicles designed and created by the teams included futuristic-looking flying saucers, buggies and mini-helicopters
Team Stellar was awarded the highest points of any team by a panel of judges, after their vehicles successfully identified a range of threats planted in the village and recreated by actors dressed as militia. Using sophisticated communications systems, their SATURN system was able to relay this information back to the team on the ground.
The Stellar Team comprises Stellar Services Ltd, Blue Bear Systems, Cranfield University, SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems Ltd, TRW Conekt, and Marshall Specialist Vehicles.
Team Swarm was awarded the prize for the “most innovative idea” after designing a multiple autonomous quadrator (flat helicopter with four rotors) called Owls, capable of flying in swarms, allowing them to view the area from all angles using high resolution visual cameras.
Team Swarmcomprised several UK small and medium sized enterprises and world class groups: Swarm Systems, the University of Essex, the University of Surrey, Orrcam, Ardware and Scazon.
Team Thales was awarded a prize for “best use of national talent” for their use of a mini helicopter fitted with daylight and thermal imaging technology alongside two custom built ground vehicles. The MoD is now carefully considering if technologies demonstrated in the final can be incorporated into future frontline kit for the Armed Forces.
Team Thales joined with the University of Reading, the University of Bristol, CARVEC, Ryland Research and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network (STEMNET), which included three schools Chilton Trinity Technology College, Woking High and Amersham School.
Lacklustre Farnborough 2008 delivers a minnow in corporate news
In spite of the relative absence of major deals at the 2008 Farnborough Air Show, several SMEs launched products and processes of interest.
A number of projects made their first public appearances at Farnborough 2008 including the Fanwing UAV; the BAE Systems Fury armed reconnaissance and close air support UAS (Unmanned Autonomous System) and Dassault Aviation’s 7X.
One firm to star at the show was the Lanarkshire-based MB Aerospace secured a seven-figure contract for work on Europe’s latest military transport aircraft.One of its main subsidiaries, MB Faber which is a mechanical and electrical engineering design business based in Lancashire, has been appointed by Airbus UK to design and build operational tooling for building wings for the A400M military transport aircraft. The company said the contract would be worth more than £1m.
Hexcel has been awarded the largest contract to supply the carbon fiber composites for the A350 XWB airframe, and it is expected to generate revenues of $4-5bn through to 2025. Hexcel is also opening three new plants in its 60th year, in China, France and Spain, increasing capacity to 7,000 tonnes by 2010.
Beldam Crossley launchednew braided insulation, even for fitted pipework and exhausts, in various materials which can be applied directly to components, even after they have been formed and the end-fittings attached. Braided insulation is consistent over the length and breadth of the component and remains in situ, over its full working life.
Meggittagreed a major deal on the Gulfstream Aerospace G650 jet. Several Meggitt firms have been selected to provide key components to the aircraft, and its Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, including Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems, Dunlop Equipment, Whittaker Controls and Vibro-Meter. Meggitt is developing new lightweight aluminium main wheels and compact carbon brakes for minimum weight. Dunlop Equipment was awarded an engine pneumatics valve package estimated to be worth £50m over the life of the programme. Meggitt also launched the Electro-Thermal Ice Protection system which uses half the energy of traditional bleed air systems.
In a second move, Meggitt is developing an advanced, motor-controlled ‘modulating’ actuator following a two year R&D programme. It is designed to increase control precision, reliability and lower the costs of implementation and ownership. The smart actuator features a closed-loop regulator that detects flow, pressure and temperature with the appropriate sensor to enable a high degree of fine tuning to meet required measurements. Compared with conventional controllers Meggitt says it has achieved 300,000 cycles before maintenance is needed –‘treble that of ordinary pneumatic controllers’. The new actuator’s monitoring system gives early warnings on wear and tear to facilitate planned maintenance. The modulating actuator is very compact, requires less wiring and parts than traditional controllers.
For the first time in US history, says Meggitt’s Gerry Janicki, manager for ultra-compact cooling equipment, cooling systems have become ‘mission critical’, especially for the new generation of lightweight UAV craft.
Significantly,Boeing and QinetiQannounced it would open The Portal, a modeling, simulation, analysis and experimentation (MSA&E) centre in Farnborough, Hampshire. The facility is part of Boeing’s growing footprint in the UK. Both companies see it as a decision-support center for collaboration and experimentation with programmes and customers- - primarily the MoD.