Australia launches worlds first LPG powered truck
Source: Australian LP Gas Association
The world's first heavy truck powered entirely by LPG will be unveiled at the inaugural International Trailer, Truck and Equipment Show in Melbourne on 8 May.
The 2656 FPC Envirotech® uses patented technology to re-engineer a Mercedes Benz Actros 12-litre V6 diesel prime mover to run on 100 per cent LPG.
The re-engineered prime mover is specification-compliant to tow a 26-metre B-double and offers transport operators more power, quieter running and up to a 10 per cent reduction in fleet operating costs.
The LPG-powered truck is the result of an alliance between Fleet Effect Pty Ltd and its project partners Advanced Vehicle Technologies Pty Ltd (AVT), Autolync Pty Ltd, and MapData Sciences Pty Ltd.
The key to the breakthrough is the holistic approach taken by partner AVT to the re-engineering of the standard diesel engine.
A patented compression reduction fuel swirl plate reduces engine compression from 18:1 to less than 10:1 and allows the Mercedes-Benz engine to operate on spark ignition rather than compression ignition.
The plate's fuel swirl characteristics improve engine efficiency, resulting in better fuel consumption, more low-end torque and improved overall power.
The cylinder head of the 2656 FPC Envirotech is also modified to accept spark plugs and an LPG induction system, with improved cooling performance.
A new LPG electronic engine management system controls engine timing and fuel induction for maximum efficiency.
The project is supported by the Co-operative Research Centre for Advanced Automotive Technologies (Auto CRC), which included the project participation of its members the University of South Australia and the Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing (VPAC).
"This LPG-diesel re-engineering technology is an exciting event of significance to Australia for the large operating savings it offers fleet operators and its contribution to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the virtual elimination of particulates," said Auto CRC's chief executive Matthew Cuthbertson.
The project partners have spent the last 18 months fine-tuning a number of diagnostic systems and controls in order to fully integrate the LPG-powered truck into an internet-based communications and GPS network that operates in real time.
Fleet Effect chief executive John Tsoucalas says this system is almost as big a breakthrough as the engine technology.
"The technology breakthrough comes in a complete package, which offers the heavy fleet operator everything from installation of the new LPG-diesel technology, to an internet GPS-based fleet maintenance diagnostic system," said Mr Tsoucalas.
"A complete compliance package including greenhouse gas reporting and fatigue management is also included," he said.
"Customers will also receive a whole-fleet fixed-price customer lease, inclusive of LPG fuel and maintenance, which will be known as a 'Fleet Performance Contract™', or FPC.
"This will turn the traditional approach for managing truck fleets on its head and offer transport operators an up to 10 per cent reduction in fleet operating costs.
"It will do this while eliminating the normal risks associated with alternative fuel technologies, such as truck downtime, costly maintenance cycles and unpredictable fuel consumption."
Supporting partners for the 2656 FPC Envirotech project include Elgas, LPG Australia, Climate Positive and Mercedes Benz (Derrimut).
LPG Australia's industry development manager Phil Westlake says there is a compelling case for the greater use of LPG in heavy vehicles.
"The projections for the growth in heavy road transport in Australia are sobering in light of the need to contain and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Mr Westlake said.
"Equally sobering is the reality that diesel-powered vehicles are a source of harmful particulate matter and air toxics.
"The environmental and health benefits of injecting LPG into diesel engines are already well-known, but this technology takes that to the next level and has the potential to place Australia at the very forefront of LPG use in heavy vehicles."
Comprehensive road and emissions testing of the 2656 FPC Envirotech® is being undertaken in South Australia and Victoria prior to fleet customer trials in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The vehicle will be on display on stands OT170 and AH237 at the inaugural International Trailer, Truck and Equipment Show in Melbourne from May 8 to May 10.
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