Volvo Trucks to Begin Field Tests of Methane-Diesel Engines
26 January 2010
In February, Volvo Trucks will be starting field tests of methane-diesel engines in commercial operation together with a number of Swedish customers. The trucks involved are two Volvo 7-liter models, the Volvo FL and Volvo FE.
The solution is based on Volvo’s proven Euro-5 diesel engines. When the engines are converted for gas operation, special tanks are added for pressurized methane gas (CNG/CBG). In addition, a separate fuel system is added with gas injectors in the inlet manifold. The trucks are converted for methane-diesel power in co-operation with Stadspartner using Hardstaff technology (earlier post).
A small amount of diesel is injected and ignited by the compression, which in turn ignites the methane gas/air mixture. This saves the need for a spark plug and allows Volvo to make full use of the efficient diesel technology. As a result, the power and driveability are identical to that of a conventional diesel truck.
The amount of diesel required during operation varies, but Volvo Trucks aims to minimize the proportion of diesel.
The first seven customers participating in the field test are Borås Energi & Miljö, Ragn-Sells Sollentuna, Schenker-TGM Göteborg, Slaka Potatis Linköping, Svebol Logistics/Lidl Tumba, Viebke Åkeri Helsingborg and XR Miljöhantering Skövde. The eighth truck in the field test program will be placed with a selected customer in the next few days.
As the network of biogas stations continues to expand, the market is showing far greater interest in better gas-powered vehicles, Volvo said. With the technology that Volvo Trucks has chosen, the diesel engine runs on a mixture of methane gas and diesel oil. As a result, the benefits of natural gas power are combined with a diesel engine’s estimated 35% higher efficiency rating compared with an engine using spark plug ignition.
In addition to lower fuel consumption, methane diesel technology also brings higher reliability and lower maintenance costs. What is more, the driver can always continue driving on diesel fuel alone, if no gas is available. This makes it a practical and realistic alternative for many customers, especially in areas where the gas distribution infrastructure is not yet fully established.
— Gunnar Ekwall, product manager for Volvo Trucks in the Nordic region
Not only EVs but NGVs can experience 'range anxiety' so dual fuel is the way to go. It will take years for truck filling stations to install CNG pumps. An 18 wheeler may have filled on CNG/diesel at the home depot but truckers can feel confident they can complete a journey on diesel alone, albeit expensive.
If this takes off it may change the economics of natural gas. In my opinion we should not be increasing the use of NG in electrical generation until it is clear how much additional gas demand will come from transport.
Posted by: Aussie | 26 January 2010 at 12:04 PM
Even if we run out of natural gas and shale gas 30 years from now, we can still make methane gasifying biomass. 100 billion therms per year is more than enough to run all the trucks and buses.
Posted by: SJC | 27 January 2010 at 12:31 PM
It's a great news to field test of Methane-Diesel Engines.It will be also starting with Ford trucks commercial operation.So it's very useful.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 01 February 2011 at 08:52 PM
Volvo Trucks For Sale is are more demand in Asian countries. Now, Volvo is implement Methane-Diesel Engines, which is totally new technology in automotive industries.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 03 March 2011 at 10:42 PM
If this off, it can change the economics of natural gas. In my opinion, should not increase the use of natural gas in electricity generation until it is clear how much additional gas demand will come from transportation.
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Posted by: Account Deleted | 30 July 2011 at 02:10 AM
Such a great news. Volvo is implement Methane-Diesel Engines, Which is more advantage and new technology in automotive industries. This will really helpful.
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Posted by: Account Deleted | 30 July 2012 at 03:08 AM