ENGINE SYSTEM: ALTERNATIVE FUELS oemoffhighway.com/21196931
Fuel Options Continue to
PSI’s 8.8-L ultra-low NOx propane engine recently received certification from the EPA and CARB (learn more, 21200370).
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Advancements in various fuel types are providing more opportunities for emissions reductions and new application uses. by Sara Jensen POWER SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL
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nterest in alternative and renewable fuel options continues to increase in the heavy equipment industries as manufacturers and end users look to decrease their environmental footprint. “For years, petroleum-based fuels have been the industry standard, primarily due to the lack of acceptable, cost-effective and reliable alternatives,” says Michael Lefebvre, Manager, Global Marketing Support at John Deere Power Systems (JDPS). “However, with growing interest in sustainable energy, alternative
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fuels are becoming more widely adopted and readily available.” While some fuels, like hydrogen, are still in the testing phases, others such as renewable diesel and propane have been used in various capacities for several years and are seeing increased use and application capabilities. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), for instance, announced at The Work Truck Show 2020 the development of a Class 8 truck engine capable of running on propane. Propane is often thought of as a fuel for use in lawn mowers or other small equipment. But PERC and manufacturers in the heavy equipment space have been working to increase the applications in which this fuel can be used.
According to Bosch, renewable synthetic fuels can be produced in unlimited quantities unlike biofuels or electricity-based fuels whose supplies can be limited.
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Investigating all options Most agree that no one technology or fuel source will be the solution. As such, engine manufacturers and
OEMs are investigating a wide array of options—including hydrogen, propane and natural gas. Cummins Inc., for instance, has announced further partnerships and investments in hydrogen technology in recent months. It also received two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awards in August to develop hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. This work is in addition to its development of electric-powered solutions, as well as natural gas and diesel engines. During CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020, DEUTZ highlighted its various power solutions which included diesel-, gas-, hybrid-, electric-, and hydrogen-based technologies. “From internal combustion engines running on various fuels to hybrids and electric drives, we see ourselves as a development partner and systems integrator,” said Michael Wellenzohn, member of the DEUTZ Board of Management with responsibility for sales, service and marketing in a press release about the company’s presence at the show (read more, 21111055). Alternative fuels play an important
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