Product
Preceding Technology (PPT) is the development of the base
technology and tools we will need to bring new turbochargers
to market in 5 to 10 years time. They put the technology
on the shelf to meet the next generation of emissions legislation
and performance improvement. From there the New Product Introduction
team takes over and applies the technology to carefully identified
requirements.
Market requirements are projected 5 to 10 years in advance by combining inputs from
various sources. In addition to working closely with our customers' advanced
engineering function we have close links to Research institutes such as Ricardo
and consider proposals issued by Government Agencies for the next generations
of emissions regulations.
PPT is not exclusively based around emissions legislation for the future; it
has wide and varying roles which can be split into 3 areas:
Research: to produce successful products in the future we require a thorough
understanding of the fundamentals of turbocharger performance. Our research work
enables us to solve the limitations of current products.
Rules and Tools: in this we design technologies and methods. This involves the
development of design and analysis tools together with prediction work.
System Integration: here we look at both
- the integration of individual components into the turbocharger.
- the turbocharger as an integral part of the engine system.
Most automotive engines now have an electronic fuel system controlled by an on-board
computer; the next generation will have computer control of the turbo as well.
We have been working with both fuel system and engine manufacturers to understand
these control strategies and how best to integrate the turbocharger into the
total engine system.
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