AUCKLAND, New Zealand – New Zealand is poised to capture the attention of the automotive and industrial world with a radical new engine design from Auckland-based Shepherd Engine that promises to quadruple the torque of a traditional crankshaft engine while consuming half the fuel.

Designed using SolidWorks 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software, Shepherd’s High Torque Output (HTO) axial diesel engine is more powerful, environmentally friendly and cheaper to build and run. It has fewer parts than a traditional diesel engine, no intricate castings or complicated machining and can be assembled by hand. Its low operational rev range also means fewer combustion events occur when the engine is idling or running under a normal load.

The Shepherd Engine, designed using SolidWorks 3D CAD Software by Intercad

“It is cheaper, quicker to assemble, has fewer moving parts, no internal gearing and a slower rev range with more torque,” explains Gray Shepherd, inventor of the Shepherd Engine. “It uses less oil, which makes it better for the environment because in traditional engines it is hot oil and gasses in a crankshaft engine that cause emissions; our engine has no crankshaft.”

SolidWorks, distributed in New Zealand by CAD/CAM specialist Intercad, has saved Shepherd hundreds of thousands of dollars by allowing him to quickly and accurately design the parts required for the engine.

“We’ve built two physical prototypes of the HTO engine and are part way through the third,” says Shepherd. “SolidWorks has been invaluable in helping us design the parts we needed, much faster than we would have done without it. In the coming months we hope to use SolidWorks’ simulation functionality to determine whether the parts we are using will be able to withstand the forces of the torque produced from the engine, something we don’t have the time or money to be doing manually. It’s like putting a jigsaw puzzle together and SolidWorks makes this task simple and efficient.

Gray Shepherd, inventor of the Shepherd Engine

“Importantly for us, we want to keep the IP of the design in New Zealand, and are setting up a trust to ensure it stays in New Zealand,” adds Shepherd. “That said the design has been made possible by a number of different local sponsors, and we’re actively looking for partners – both local and global – to help us manufacture the engine for different industries and applications.”

The HTO engine can be used in all types of cars, trucks, heavy earthmoving equipment and, if it is scaled up, in the aerospace and marine industries. It also has applications in power generation as its high torque means it can cope with increased demands on the power supply.

“We have had international interest from automotive parts manufacturers who want to collaborate with us and also from truck manufacturers who want to use the engine in their products,” says Shepherd. “Once this happens we’ll look to greatly expand our use of SolidWorks in the number of locations we develop the product around the world.”

Earlier this year Shepherd Engine presented its prototype to Intercad’s Auckland-based customers at an event held at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). MOTAT currently houses Shepherd’s proof-of-concept engine and guests were treated to a preview of the engine while meeting with Intercad’s Auckland team.

“New Zealand has a wealth of design, engineering and manufacturing talent that needs to be nurtured and protected,” says Sarah Berlini, New Zealand Country Manager, Intercad. “However, it is also important for the Intercad community in New Zealand to learn from each other and share their expertise and experiences. Gray Shepherd and his HTO engine inspired our customers that attended the event at MOTAT and we are looking forward to hearing about the next stage in the development of the Shepherd Engine.”    

The engine is presently under construction. When completed and fully tested, it is expected to be a world-first and a blueprint for the engines of the future.

For more information on the Shepherd Engine visit: www.shepherdengine.com 

About SolidWorks Corporation
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systèmes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call +1-978-371-5000.

About Intercad Pty Ltd
Intercad Pty Ltd is the leading distributor of SolidWorks in Australia and New Zealand. Intercad Pty Ltd is an Australian-owned company specialising in Mechanical Computer-Aided Engineering, Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (MCAE/CAD/CAM) solutions. Established in 1989 with offices in each major state capital in Australia and in New Zealand, its core activities include software sales, training and consulting services as well as technical support. For more information please visit www.intercad.co.nz or call Intercad’s head office on 09 525 9870.