With the growing increase in mobility and transport, propulsion systems of means of transport must become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This involves partly a switch to systems that are inherently more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, and partly a further improvement of more conventional propulsion systems. The latter involve optimising combustion processes to radically new types of engines. This involves not only the adaptation of existing propulsion systems, but also the optimisation of a complete powertrain: the chain of an energy-producing element, a component that converts this energy into power, and an element that then transfers this power to a component that has to move. There are also many opportunities to make contributions to the efficiency of the transport system through aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, use of materials, and the development of completely new means of transport. More efficient means of transport can also include smarter logistics, using real-time data, applied mathematical models, smart sensors and the Internet of Things.
Connecting character
The scientific research needed to answer this question is diverse: it includes propulsion systems, alternative fuels and efficient energy storage systems, smart logistics models, but also new materials, coatings, air-water mixtures, and measurement methods to reliably determine energy consumption in engines. Knowledge about air and water flow is also important to meet efficiency, energy efficiency and environmental impact targets. An effective transport system with modern means of transport that are sustainable, energy-efficient and safe is of great social importance. An important way to renew that transport system is to innovate the means of transport in that system and the way they are used, in parallel with changes in laws and regulations, and attention to behaviour and the role of people. The Netherlands is a key player in many of these manufacturing industries as a major supplier. In the maritime manufacturing industry, the Netherlands itself produces significant quantities of complete, often special vessels. Much of the knowledge gained in research finds its way almost directly into these industrial sectors. In the field of smart logistics systems, the Netherlands has well-known best practices such as Schiphol Airport and the Port of Rotterdam. In the development of means of transport, there are great economic opportunities for Dutch knowledge institutes and companies as suppliers of knowledge and technology to the European and global manufacturing industry in this field. The strength of the Dutch position is the strong intertwining of knowledge institutes and companies, as for instance in high-tech, maritime manufacturing and aerospace.
