Opposed Piston Engine Class 8 Heavy Duty On-Road Demonstration

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

• Three (3) engines were tested on dynamometers at Achates Power in San Diego and at Aramco Services in Wixom Michigan to develop the hardware and software and to demonstrate efficiency, emissions, and durability.
• One (1) engine was installed in a Peterbilt 579 tractor and was placed in revenue service with Walmart for about 3 months. An in-field demonstration was conducted to measure and report on the performance of the technology and to prepare for CARB certification for commercialization. This included the collection of engine in-use emissions data using a Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS).

Lessons Learned:

• While the on-road demonstration is useful, most of the development and value proposition occurs on the dynamometer (especially since engines in this application class are certified on a dyno). Flexibility to shift the project mix between laboratory or field demonstration can optimize the overall program.
• Consider financial support for follow-up projects from successful demonstrations to bridge the gap between initial demonstration and volume deployment. Large technical improvements require large efforts.

Status Updates:

• All engines are running; engine transient testing with aftertreatment is on-going; vehicle integration is complete.
• Overachievement on engine performance and emissions allowed Achates Power to eliminate the close coupled SCR and still meet program goals.
• Testing and analysis showed that the opposed piston engine can meet 2027 GHG with margin while emitting less than 0.02 g/bhp-hr NOx with a current production after-treatment system.
• FEV estimated that a HD OP engine should cost 11% less than a 2017 4-stroke while enabling Ultra low NOx and 2027 GHG.