Through a new partnership between Stanadyne, Katech, and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), fleet owners looking for a low emission, high efficiency, and affordable engine solution will soon have new technology. The new solution will help fleet operators exceed the ultra-low emissions mandates going into place in 2027.

The innovation combines Stanadyne’s direct injection fuel pump and injector system with Katech’s vapour lock technology to create the industry’s first medium-duty engine system that can deliver Autogas at a constant 350-bar pressure directly into the engine. It is all part of the three company’s combined decarbonisation mission.

“The direct liquid injection system for high-vapour pressure gases such as Autogas has been technically elusive until this joint partnership between PERC, Katech, and Stanadyne materialised,” said PERC Director of Research and Sustainability, Gokul Vishwanathan. “This technology will be a significant enabler for high-efficiency and low-emission propane and renewable propane-powered engines and hybrids for the on-road and off-road markets.”

The breakthrough engine technology overcomes vapour lock, a common technical issue when liquefied gases vaporise, which can interrupt fuel pump operation. By finding a solution, the new technology improves engine performance and efficiency. The combined system fuelled a standard 6.6L GDI engine during a 250-hour performance and durability test. The tests successfully demonstrated that the technology works with existing engines and that Autogas can be a low-carbon, high-performance replacement for gasoline and diesel engines.

“Internal combustion engines are the workhorses of our economy, and this advancement in technology will help them run much more sustainably using renewable fuels,” said Stanadyne President David Zimmerman. “The opportunity to partner with PERC and Katech on this initiative aligns with our commitment to developing solutions bridging the significant adoption gap between fossil-fuelled propulsion and low-carbon and zero-carbon fuelled vehicles.”

“This partnership has allowed Katech to focus more directly on the development and advancement of vapour lock systems, propane direct injection engine controls, and future propane direct injection engine applications,” said Katech Lead Engineer Eric Suits. “Collectively, we have produced a truly complimenting control strategy and delivery system necessary to ensure reliable propane direct injection operation under all operating conditions.”

“In the short term, this engine technology provides medium-duty fleet owners with a decarbonisation solution to meet their immediate goals,” said Gavin Hale, Director of Business Development at PERC. “But the real breakthrough is the long-term impact this will have to provide fleets with exactly what they need—a powerful engine that exceeds sustainability goals and reduces fuel and operation costs to provide the lowest total cost of ownership of any energy source.”

Source: PERC

11 October 2023