BMW looks to solar and exhaust gases to cut emissions

In the drive to cut emissions from models in light of planned fines for manufacturers whose fleets exceed 130g/km of carbon dioxide by 2012, BMW is investigating new technologies including solar power and exhaust gases.

The German company is looking at using both sources to power a thermoelectric generator, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions by up to five per cent.

Using solar panels on roof sections is also being explored, and could again amount to a five per cent reduction in fuel consumption, assuming the entire roof is covered.

The power can be stored and used for low-power system such as air con or engine per-heaters.

BMW is also working on upgrading its EfficientDynamics programme of fuel-saving technologies, which includes regenerative braking, stop-start systems, aerodynamics and a new system that uses satnav technology to predict optimum driving conditions using acceleration and braking.

BMW has previously used solar power technology on its Vision Efficient Dynamics X5 concept. The energy is used to charge a pone , chill a coolbox or warm transmission oil.

BMW estimates that up to 3.17bn gallons of fuel are wasted ever year in Germany thanks to congestion.

Other manufacturers have explored using exhaust gases and solar power to cut fuel consumption.

The Audi A8 and A6 can be ordered with a solar-cell sunroof that can power aircon in summer, while the Saab 9-X BioHybrid features a roof fitted with a solar generator that stores energy in lithium-ion batteries linked to a hybrid drive.

Honda has experimented with using exhaust gases to heat water, create steam and drive a turbine to generate electricity, with impressive results, albeit at an early stage.

And while solar is unlikely to be able to power passenger vehicles outright, some analysts foresee a time when solar panels on houses are used to charge electric cells in cars.

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