About Williams Hybrid Power
Automotive Hybrid Power Limited was established in 2006 to develop advanced flywheel energy storage technology for vehicle applications. In 2008, Williams F1 acquired a significant shareholding in Automotive Hybrid Power. The company was subsequently renamed Williams Hybrid Power Limited (WHP) and relocated from Norwich to Williams F1’s headquarters in Oxfordshire.
WHP is developing a version of its flywheel system for potential use as the energy storage element of Williams F1's Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) to be introduced in its Formula One cars in 2009. The competitive rigour of Formula One requires quickly deployable solutions to technical problems, as well as ensuring any such solutions are lightweight, robust and high performance. WHP is building on the Formula One experience to transfer its technology to a variety of other applications.
Williams Hybrid Power Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company number 06005208.
People
Ian Foley (Managing Director)
Ian Foley has a BSc (Hons) degree in Electronic Engineering, and an MSc in Control Systems. Ian has a proven track record in the successful development of new technologies. After being responsible for the development of the Lotus Active Suspension system raced by Team Lotus in Formula 1 in 1993, Ian set up his own consultancy and has successfully developed control systems in the power and racing industries. Having identified the substantial potential for the application of the MLC flywheel technology to the automotive sector, Ian set up Automotive Hybrid Power in 2006, which became Williams Hybrid Power Ltd in March 2008
Colin Tarrant (Technical Director)
Colin Tarrant has a BSc (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is a chartered Mechanical Engineer, and a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Prior to originating the MLC flywheel concept, he worked for BNFL Capenhurst for 23 years on the design, development, and manufacture of ultra high speed centrifuges, used in the enrichment of uranium. Colin subsequently became Technical Director of Urenco Power Technologies Ltd, a subsidiary of Urenco (Capenhurst) Ltd, which was set up to manufacture and market the MLC flywheel systems. His knowledge of high speed rotating machines led him to be offered seats on the advisory boards of the Engineering and Physical Research Council. Following Urenco’s decision to focus on core competencies and exit the energy storage sector, Colin teamed up with Ian Foley to found Automotive Hybrid Power Ltd.
Patrick Head (Director)
After a long apprenticeship in lower categories of motor sport, Patrick joined Williams F1 in 1977 and has led the technical development of the company ever since. The team has grown in that period from a staff of 17 to over 500, and has won 9 constructors titles, 7 drivers titles, and 113 Grands Prix. Under Patrick's direction the team has been at the forefront of technological innovation in Formula One, including developments such as Active suspension, Semi Automatic gearboxes, and composite development.
Alex Burns (Director)
Alex is Chief Operating Officer for Williams F1. He plays a vital role in the management of the company as well as improvement of operational methods and deliverability at Grove.
Most of Alex's career prior to joining Williams F1 was in the aerospace industry. After leaving school he joined Westland Helicopters on an undergraduate training scheme that gave him work experience in a variety of production and design areas. He obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London and later joined Meggitt plc.
Alex held a number of positions at Meggitt, one of which was Engineering Director of Meggitt Aeropspace Components, working on a variety of civil, military and space projects including the Ariane 4 & 5 satellite launch vehicles. As Project Director of Meggitt Mobrey he led a substantial business change program resulting in increased sales and profitability. He gained an MBA at Cranfield University and then became Managing Director of Meggitt Electronic Components, working in the automotive and medical industries.
Ted Williams (Director)
Ted joined BNFL as an engineering graduate at the same time as Colin Tarrant. Ted found his skills better suited to the commercial aspects of the business, eventually becoming a board member of BNFL and Urenco. He retired from Urenco in 2004, but still has an active role in the nuclear industry as Chairman of Nukem, as well as advising a number of technology businesses.