Westport unveils enhanced spark-ignited natgas system

Westport Innovations has unveiled its first generation of enhanced spark-ignited (ESI) natural gas system.

Fuel economy

Westport's new approach to natural gas combustion technology is designed to provide vehicle and engine original manufacturers (OEMs) with a "downsized" natural gas solution that is cost competitive while providing similar levels of power, torque, and fuel economy to a larger diesel engine.

Using 100% natural gas as fuel, the new technology optimises the combustion and thermal efficiencies of the engine by taking advantages of the positive properties of natural gas.

Truck applications

Developed to meet the highest level of OEM quality standards, Westport's new combustion system and components have been undergoing testing and offer ready integration into OEM applications globally. Its durability and reliability levels are expected to meet an OEM's extensive engine development program. The Westport™ ESI combustion system is targeted at sub 9L engines for Class 6 and 7 trucks applications and is also adaptable for sub 2L applications for use in automotive and non-automotive applications.

"As gasoline and diesel engines progress, it is critical that OEMs offer natural gas engines that retain their expected performance while providing the environmental and economic benefits of natural gas," explained Jack Keaton, Westport VP of Global Spark Ignited Direct Injection. "Westport is taking its technology leadership to the next level by introducing a long term technology solution that allows improvements in engine performance and fuel economy, thus offering highly attractive operating costs and low emissions profile. As the ESI technology continues to be developed, Westport will incorporate competitive performance upgrades to support the longevity of this system."

LNG capability

The system has compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) capability. Ultimately, the customer will decide which form of natural gas they wish to carry - either high pressure CNG or cold cryogenic LNG - based on a number of variables including weight of the load; weight of the fuel storage system; range required by the vehicle; and availability of CNG and LNG.

Westport is currently in various stages of development and negotiation with several vehicle and engine OEMs for ESI applications in medium-duty truck and automotive applications.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/23092014/westport-launches-spark-ignited-system-1451/