Navistar Demonstrates Dual-Fuel Prototype – 2011 International ProStar
Navistar displays a dual-fuel prototype at the International ProStar.
The Navistar International Corporation showed an International ProStar+ prototype at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. It is powered by a 13-liter MaxxForce dual-fuel engine that burns both diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The dual-fuel 13-liter MaxxForce engine's conventional diesel engine has undergone only minor changes, including the installation of a natural gas injection system from San Diego-based Clean Air Power.
Given the abundant supply of natural gas in the United States and Canada, says Jim Hebe, senior vice president of Navistar's North American sales operations, "we feel compelled to invest in our products in such a way that our customers can expand their usage of very low emissions technologies through our engines." Using natural gas for this purpose unquestionably makes it possible.
In cooperation with Clean Air Power Ltd., a developer and supplier of multi-fuel combustion technology for heavy duty diesel engines, Navistar has built and tested an International ProStar+ 122-inch BBC tractor with a 430 horsepower, 1,550 lb-ft dual fuel MaxxForce 13-liter engine. The engine mixes air and LNG during the intake stroke while using diesel pilot injection to ignite the fuel during the compression stroke. As a result, an engine is created that burns a combination of 15% diesel and 85% natural gas.
A coolant-heated fuel vaporizer, an LNG regulator, and a filter have all been added to the chassis along with a 26-inch diameter, 119-gallon standard LNG tank with a 400-mile (644-km) range. The legal requirements for a dual fuel engine that meets with EPA rules are currently being defined by the EPA and Navistar.
In addition to our U.S. markets, our international markets also depend on our ability to give customers a choice, Hebe said. As we build this solution for our clients who own International trucks, we will be able to apply the technology as needed in other markets and products.
DuraStar and WorkStar vehicles that operate on compressed natural gas have also been displayed by Navistar (CNG). At the moment, Navistar has access to one of the most complete lineups of alternative fuel vehicles in the business.
