World's First 100 % LPG Long Haul Truck Conversion

Abstract

Advanced Vehicle Technologies (AVT), a Ballarat Australia based company, has developed the World's first diesel to 100 % LPG conversion for heavy haul trucks. There is no diesel required or utilized on the trucks. The engine is converted with minimal changes into a spark ignition engine with equivalent power and torque of the diesel. The patented technology is now deployed in two Mercedes Actros trucks. The power output in engine dynamometer testing exceeds that of the diesel (in excess of 500hp horsepower and 2000 ft/lb torque). In on-road application the power curve is matched to the diesel specifications to avoid potential downstream power-train stress. Testing at the Department of Transport Energy & Infrastructure, Regency Park, SA have shown the Euro 3 truck converted to LPG is between Euro 4 and Euro 5 NOx levels, CO2 levels 10 % better than diesel on DT80 test and about even with diesel on CUEDC tests. The average fuel ratio of LPG tests versus diesel tests over 7 points from 80 to 180 kW is 1.67:1. The conversion is already operational in fleets. The conversion to LPG permits a better economy, a better environment and a better energy security. The truck conversion permits lower operating cost and significantly reduced fuel cost. The LPG has a lower fuel cost per unit energy. The savings are almost $300 per 1000 km. These fuel costs are based on an average wholesale price including rebates over the past sixmonths of $0.51/L LPG and $1.46/L diesel. Longer maintenance intervals also permit lower cost and less downtime. The LPG has significant emissions reduction. The reduced carbon dioxide and particulate matter emissions are a result of the gaseous state and the better C/H ratio of the LPG. The CO2-e advantage of the LPG engine is greater than the tailpipe 10 %. There is almost no particulate matter with LPG. The goal is to achieve Euro 5 (with the Euro 3 engine) in 1st half 2012 with no catalytic converter or urea filter. Finally, the LPG is locally produced and this reduces the dependence on the import of foreign oil. The current conversion kit is for a 3 pedal Euro 3 Actros, 26xx series. The company is working on a kit for the Euro 4 and 5 Actros engine, and also assessing other vendors' engines for conversion. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Diesel; Energy security; Fuel economy; Heavy duty truck; LPG; Pollutant emissions

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-364233840-3

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1876-1119; 1876-1100

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2024 Springer, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

04 Jul 2013

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