Westport Innovations Inc., an alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies provider, has entered into an agreement with Caterpillar, Inc. to evaluate direct injection, natural gas fuel system technologies for possible use on Caterpillar’s large engines. As part of the agreement, the parties will combine their respective technologies and components to develop a fuel system that will be evaluated on a multi-cylinder test engine.
Through this evaluation project, Westport and Caterpillar are seeking to demonstrate that the integration of their respective direct injection, natural gas technologies can deliver the high performance and high efficiency requirements large engine applications will demand. Under the terms of the agreement, the evaluation is expected to be completed in 2012, with program expenses shared by both Caterpillar and Westport.
“We are excited to work with Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives,” said Bruce Hodgins, Vice President, Market Development of Westport Innovations. “This is a significant opportunity for both companies to demonstrate the viability of direct injection natural gas technology on large engines.”
“Caterpillar looks forward to working with Westport, a global leader in alternative fuel technologies, to evaluate how we may combine our respective technologies to enhance customer value in the markets we serve,” said M. Lou Balmer-Millar, Product Manager, Caterpillar Fuel Systems of Caterpillar Inc.
Caterpillar high horsepower engines are used in a variety of electric power, industrial, machine, marine and petroleum applications worldwide.
This article compiled using information from a Westport Innovations, Inc. press release.
