Startup Choice 2017 > Submission

X-TEC: renewable-energy mobility hardware http://www.tuwing.de/

by TuWing

X-TEC recuperates most of the energy a vehicle uses to combat air resistance. For long-haul trucks, this means saving up to one third of the total energy, and fuel, used, while competing technologies achieve less than 10%.

The technology provides a short-cut to reducing diesel emissions in the logistics industry; implemented globally on all target vehicle types, it would reduce transportation’s carbon footprint by an estimated 5%. Further, it extends the range of electric vehicles, thus making the conversion from fossil fuels to electric more attractive to users.

X-TEC is a front-fitted high cadence turbine which exploits air resistance to generate energy for the vehicle. This extends the range (for electric vehicles, or using an in-wheel hub motor) or supplies other needs (e.g. refrigeration). Further, adding X-TEC to the front of the vehicle has no negative impacts on its aerodynamic performance, due to the way the air flow interacts with its rotor blades.

We have proven the functional principles of X-TEC through wind tunnel testing with a small-scale prototype at the Technical University of Berlin. Our analysis of the energy saving potential has been verified by independent experts. The technology is patent protected (global PCT patent application). Confirmation of the manufacturing feasibility has been obtained from a potential supplier. We also have some of the partners lined up for a grant-funded development project. We are about to start building our mid-scale prototype, and plan the first series model to be in use within 3 years.

X-TEC can be applied to a wide variety of vehicle types, with the initial focus on long-haul trucks, high-speed and freight trains and mining haul trucks. Once accepted by these markets, a transfer to further vehicle types will be possible, in particular SUVs, with an energy efficiency saving of up to 20%.

Tuwing's vision is to be an enabler/accelerator of radical innovations for reducing vehicle energy consumption.