Published

Achates Details Light-Duty Opposed-Piston Diesel Concept

Achates Power Inc. has reported details about a new light-duty two-stroke diesel it is developing as part of its portfolio of opposed-piston engines, Green Car Congress reports.

Share

Achates Power Inc. has reported details about a new light-duty two-stroke diesel it is developing as part of its portfolio of opposed-piston engines, Green Car Congress reports.

The San Diego-based company described its latest design earlier this week at an SAE International engine symposium in Detroit.

Dubbed the OP4, the 1.5-liter two-cylinder/four-piston concept makes 129 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. It was designed to meet Euro 6 and LEV 3 emission standards and deliver the broader speed range and low-noise operation deemed necessary for automotive applications.

Achates says the new design is 13% more fuel efficient than Daimler AG's 1.8-liter OM651 four-cylinder diesel, an engine it benchmarked for the OP4 program.

The OP4 borrows from work Achates is doing with AVL Powertrain Engineering on a three-cylinder opposed-piston diesel for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center in Warren, Mich.

The OP4 layout consists of two 0.75-liter cylinders, each containing a pair of opposed pistons and two centrally positioned fuel injectors. Each cylinder has a bore of about 76 mm (3 inches) and stroke of 167 mm (6.6 inches). The supercharged and turbocharged engine has a compression ratio is 16.0:1.

The OP4 shows 52% thermal efficiency at 1,500 rpm and 25% load, Achates reports. The company calculates that its design could meet Euro 6 standards when equipped with an oxidation catalyst and particulate filter. It says the engine could achieve LEV 3 emission limits with both those devices and an oxides of nitrogen aftertreatment system.

The company says it is looking for partners to help develop and commercialize the OP4 design.

RELATED CONTENT

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions