Dual-fuel technology demonstrates “durability performance” under tough conditions
American Power Group, Inc. (APG), subsidiary of GreenMan Technologies, Inc. has successfully completed heavy-duty truck trials in Australia utilizing APG’s patented dual-fuel system operating on diesel fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Last October, APG signed an agreement to carry out a dual-fuel trial with Wesfarmers LNG Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Kleenheat Gas, converting two 500+ horsepower heavy-duty diesel trucks. Through its subsidiary Wesfarmers LNG Pty Ltd which trades as EVOL LNG, Kleenheat is the leading provider of LNG to the heavy duty vehicle and remote power generation markets in Australia.
The dual-fuel system converts diesel engines and diesel generators to function more efficiently and at a lower operating cost, by displacing 40% to 60% of the normal diesel fuel consumption with CNG, LNG, well-head gas or biomethane. APG’s system is non-invasive to the OEM engine and operates within all OEM performance controls with the flexibility to return to 100% diesel operation at any time.
APG says the introduction of natural gas does not impact diesel engine power or pulling torque and will assist in extending the engine’s oil life as natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel compared to diesel.
Lyle Jensen, GreenMan’s President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “Passing the Australian test trials is a major performance milestone for APG. We are extremely pleased to report that all fuel displacement, reliability up-time, and emission results met or exceeded EVOL LNG’s performance criteria established at the beginning of the trials. The Australian outback super-highway is one of the world’s toughest driving environments and the APG dual-fuel system performed exceptionally well on high-horsepower diesel engines where natural gas solutions are not yet available from many dedicated alternative fuel system providers. In Australia, we have added “durability performance” to the economic and environmental benefits of our dual-fuel technology”.
Commenting on the trials, Kleenheat Gas General Manager Graham Smith said: “During our field tests, we were impressed with the reliability of APG’s dual-fuel system and we eagerly await APG finalizing its offering for the Australian heavy duty market conditions. EVOL LNG is leading the development of LNG as a viable long term alternative fuel to diesel in the Australian heavy-duty vehicle, industrial, and remote power generation markets. We are proud to be at the forefront of how LNG is changing the direction of road transport in Australia.”
Mr. Jensen concluded, “We believe that a significant number of Australian trucks and power generators can benefit from APG’s dual fuel technology.”
This article compiled using information from a GreenMan Technologies, Inc. press release.
