From 2017 to 2020 CECOMP developed the R&D project “e-STES” (Same Type Elements System), aimed at the realisation of a prototype vehicle for which the equipment and individual components were manufactured according to the innovative principle of repeatability of elements. CECOMP played the lead role, coordinating all suppliers and partners.

Since this was a vehicle at the prototype stage and not yet at the series production stage, CECOMP engineers resorted to tooling (such as hammering models and lay-up models) and not to moulding dies, as it was assessed that the design of a mould and the associated use of resources, machinery and material to make it would have represented a waste of production. In fact, the e-STES vehicle model represents a show car, namely a robust and innovative styling solution, not yet destined for series production according to strict time and methods.

For this reason, the operational management assessed that the same amount of process hours, resources and material could be invested in an experimental activity that would increase the company’s know-how.

At the end of the project phase, the development of this prototype led to the following results:

• The reduction in the number of different components as they are repeatable, with a view to future industrialisation.
• The simplification of the various phases of design, production, assembly, logistics.

Overall, this project had a strong impact on the reduction of Time to Market and production costs with a consequent improvement of the impact on the environment.

ROP ERDF 2014-20 – Axis I. Specific objective I.1b.1.
Action I.1b.1.1 Call “IR2” Industrialisation of the research Results

 

From 2015 to 2019, CECOMP developed the WEEVIL R&D project at the European level (HORIZON 2020) aimed at the realisation of a new urban vehicle, i.e. a new L-category of three-wheeled vehicle that would be silent and energy efficient. The work carried out by CECOMP and its partners enabled the construction of a vehicle that is safe but at the same time attractive to the public, so as to minimise the barriers to its use.

WEEVIL’s innovative concept was made possible through a structure made of composite material and the use of a new production technology belonging to the Additive Manufacturing branch, called SLS (Selective Laser Sintering).

In addition, a PINCER (Parking Cross-distance Adapter) vehicle width-adjustment mechanism has been adopted to provide the driver with an incredibly agile vehicle capable of navigating narrow roads, moving easily through traffic and reducing the space needed to park. The variable-width mechanism, by exploiting its characteristic Y-shape and the action of the lateral forces exchanged between the wheel and the road surface, allows the vehicle to reduce the track width when travelling at low speed.

For the development of the research project, CECOMP was responsible for the manufacture, supply and assembly of the electric vehicle (EV) sub-systems and their mutual integration to build the EV prototype (Fig.3), demonstrating the key role assumed in contacting the various suppliers and partners. At the end of the realisation phase, numerous results were gathered, knowledge and know-how acquired by the company, with an enormous potential for exploitation that can be extended throughout Europe. In this respect, with a view to future industrialisation, the CECOMP technicians wanted to draw up business and replication plans for the model, promoting a “culture of innovation”.

Overall, the development of this European EV initiative has led to a significant expansion of the car fleet with clear benefits in terms of air quality, noise and environmental protection, as well as a reduction in traffic congestion and a potential domination of European industry in this type of market.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n° 653926.
Funded by: H2020-EU.3.4.

The iDea (Intelligent Diesel Engine Application) project was launched in 2007 as a result of a series of considerations on the evolution of individual mobility needs in Europe and in the world, and as a results of the desire to guarantee a high level of competitiveness for the Piedmont region in the near future. iDea, therefore, wanted to develop technological solutions anticipating the needs and requirements of diesel engines expected in 2020 and beyond, guaranteeing the level of performance and usability that this engine has earned in its evolution, running in parallel the development of traditional propulsion and its hybrid transformation.

The project is therefore based on the application of an innovative diesel engine, in line with future pollutant emission standards and highly efficient (target: <60 g/km of CO2), in a multi-mode hybrid architecture with a significant pure electric range (about 20 km) for circulation in ZTL areas, a hybrid drive for urban “stop-and-go” and a thermal-only drive in conditions of maximum engine efficiency.

The development of the project moved in parallel along two lines in which two solutions were studied and evaluated, with the Diesel stand-alone, for possible low-cost applications in non-European markets, and with a Diesel-hybrid plug-in propulsion architecture capable of satisfying the more sophisticated needs of developed markets.

The aim of the project can be summarised as the search for technological solutions for a small-sized Diesel engine oriented to:

• Improve efficiency through reduced friction losses, reduced heat dissipation, waste heat recovery.
• Minimising direct emissions of pollutants through optimisation of the combustion process.
• Increase efficiency and compactness of exhaust after-treatment for more favourable packaging.
• Further reducing fuel consumption through a specific hybrid architecture at a low cost.

The ‘iDea’ project is realised thanks to co-financing from the ERDF Piedmont 2007-2013
Axis I “Innovation and productive transition” Measure I.1.1 “Innovative platforms”