Most of the original team behind the development of the ultrasonic fuel flow control technology to be introduced to the FIA Formula 1 World ChampionshipTM and the FIA World Endurance ChampionshipTM in 2014 have formed a new venture, SentronicsTM Limited, to produce a second-generation fuel flow sensor for motorsport and other markets around the world.
SentronicsTM is a partnership of two British firms, sensor manufacturer Reventec and precision machining firm Mikina Engineering, plus US-based Hyspeed LLC. Hyspeed originated the concept of using an ultrasonic flow sensor in motorsport to regulate fuel consumption, control peak power, and balance performance early in 2009, initially pursuing its development in cooperation with Gill Sensors. The termination of that relationship in early 2013 left Hyspeed seeking other ways to achieve its objectives, eventually leading to the formation of SentronicsTM.
The new consortium is headed by Managing Director Neville Meech, for 13 years Gill Sensors’ lead motorsport engineer. “Hyspeed approached me after I started Reventec with funding for a new sensor project, and being based next door to Mikina made it easy to bring them on board to handle manufacturing.”
Reventec Ltd (www.reventec.com) is a mechanical and electronics design consultancy set up in 2013 by Neville Meech, dedicated to developing technologically advanced products for motorsport, defence, aerospace, and industrial applications. Meech and his growing team of engineers bring a wide range of skills and experience to Reventec, including many years working at the top levels of international motorsport. The company’s focus is on rapid delivery of best-in-class products for use in extreme environments. Reventec is already deploying its innovative MagnetoResistive sensing technology in a range of products featuring superior repeatability and reliability, which have attracted strong interest from F1® and WEC teams.
Mikina Engineering Ltd (www.mikina.co.uk) was established in 1999 by experienced precision machining engineers Bradley Howard and Michael Dove. The business owns and occupies an 8,000 square-foot facility near Salisbury in southwest England. With long-term clients across a broad range of industries, Mikina has enjoyed continuous growth over its 15 years, enabling it to invest in the latest manufacturing technologies and expansion of its highly skilled workforce. Mikina’s commitment to the most demanding quality standards is seen in its AS9100 accreditation and dedicated quality assurance team. Equally impressive is its ability to deliver quality at competitive prices while meeting tight deadlines, always a priority in the fast-paced world of motorsport.
Hyspeed LLC (www. hyspeed.com) was founded in 2008 by racing pioneer Daniel Partel (Formula Opel, EFDA Nations Cup, Lola Cars, DeltaWing), former Lola designer Andrew Burston, and motorsport marketing veteran David Aronson to create technology and events for renewable racing. They began working on the concept of fuel flow control over a year before its adoption by the FIA, identified ultrasonics as the best approach, initiated a collaboration with Gill Sensors, and developed their own proprietary calibration technology. In 2013, Hyspeed spun off Calibra Technology as an independent calibration business and continued to pursue its vision of fuel flow control for motorsport, bringing its marketing and financial strengths to SentronicsTM
