Inventor – Peter Dearman

Peter began work on this technology several years ago and has produced a number of proof-of-concept engines as well as modifying cars to run on liquid nitrogen. The cars have run at speeds of more than 30 mph. 

Third party theoretical validation

Scientists from the Universities of Leeds and Queen Mary University of London have carried out theoretical validation of the concept as well as a review of the infrastructure requirements to implement the technology. They concluded that the science was sound and that many of the required items of infrastructure for implementation were mature.

A powertrain consultancy calculated the likely practical performance of the Dearman Engine and input it into its standard vehicle cycle model and concluded that,

“The technology offers the prospect of two key advantages compared to current economically viable battery electric vehicles. Firstly there is improved energy density and therefore range. Secondly there is rapid re-fuelling capability enabling improved vehicle utilisation for some vehicle types.”

PhD A Novel Cryogenic Energy System for Zero Emission Vehicles

In late summer 2011, a 4 year long PhD examining the technology was concluded. The work was focused in the following areas;

• Engine testing –   to successfully measure the performance improvement from the inventive step
• Static Injection testing – to enhance understanding of injection, mixing and boiling phenomena

The work concluded that,

“the cryogenic nitrogen car has the potential to offer a superior performance to electric and (compressed) air cars, without the long charging times. While inferior in performance to hydrogen cars, the simplicity of the nitrogen engine will make it a fraction of the fixed costs, and cheaper to run. It is an important point that if the full potential of the cryogen vehicle can be realised then it not only offers a new substitute to the ZEV market - but a superior substitute.”

Technology  |  How does it work?  |  Current Programmes 
How does it compare?   |   Cryogenic liquids as an Energy Carrier