Navistar ProStar Dual-Fuel
Navistar International Corporation has demonstrated a prototype 2011 International ProStar+ powered by a 13-liter MaxxForce dual-fuel engine (diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG)), at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. The dual-fuel 13-liter MaxxForce engine includes minimal changes to the stock diesel engine other than the addition of a natural gas injection system supplied by San Diego based Clean Air Power.
“Recognizing the abundant supply of natural gas in the United States and Canada, we feel compelled to invest in our products in such a way that enables our customers to expand their usage of very low emissions technologies through our engines,” said Jim Hebe, senior vice president, North American sales operations, Navistar. “The use of natural gas certainly accomplishes this …”
In partnership with Clean Air Power Ltd., a developer and provider of dual-fuel combustion technology for heavy duty diesel engines, Navistar has built and tested a 2011 International ProStar+ 122-inch BBC tractor with a 430 horsepower, 1,550 lb-ft dual fuel MaxxForce 13-liter engine. The engine uses diesel pilot injection for combustion on the compression stroke and mixes air and LNG on the intake stroke. The result is an engine that runs on a mixture of 15 percent diesel and 85 percent natural gas.
Changes to the chassis include the addition of a 26-inch diameter, 119-gallon standard LNG tank that provides a 400 mile range (644 kms), a coolant heated fuel vaporizer, and an LNG regulator and filter. Navistar is currently working with the EPA to define the regulatory requirements of an EPA compliant dual fuel engine.
“As we assess changing market conditions, the ability to offer customers choice is important not only in our U.S. markets, but in our global markets as well,” Hebe added. “As we develop this product for our International truck customers, we will also be able to leverage the technology in other markets and products as appropriate.”
Navistar has also recently demonstrated compressed natural gas (CNG) versions of its DuraStar and WorkStar trucks. Today, Navistar has at its disposal one of the broadest line-ups of alternative fueled vehicles in the industry.
This article compiled primarily using information from a Navistar International Corp., press release.
