Juniper jumps into LSI: new player to industrialized engine market introduces 2.0, 2.4 L LPG engines

Diesel Progress North American Edition, Feb, 2009 by Dawn M. Geske

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The niche market of large spark ignited (LSI) industrialized engines has expanded with an engine announcement by new player Juniper Engines Inc., a joint venture between Westport Innovations Inc. and Italian fuel systems provider OMVL SpA. Juniper announced the launch of new 2.0 and 2.4 L alternative fuel engines, on display for the first time at the material handling exhibition, ProMat, recently held in Chicago, Ill.

"Juniper engines have been designed and developed to deliver performance, reliability and durability as part of our committed approach to the industrial equipment manufacturers," said Ian Scott, president of Juniper Engines. "Juniper leverages the complementary strengths of our two parents, Westport and OMVL, to create a leading player in the forklift market. We are proud to have Hyundai Motor Co. as a base engine supply partner, bringing its reputation for high quality and advanced industrialized engines."

Initially targeting the Class 4 and 5 LPG-fueled forklift market estimated at approximately 76,000 units by the Industrial Truck Association, the 2.0 and 2.4 L engines are offered in LPG or dual fuel (LPG/gasoline). The engines are based on Hyundai Motor Co.'s industrial engine platform, into which Juniper integrates the LPG fuel system. The multipoint sequential injection system includes a fuel regulator, LPG valves and an engine control unit (ECU)--all founded on existing OMVL technology. OMVL designs and manufactures complete fueling systems for new vehicles and does aftermarket conversion of engines from gasoline to CNG and LPG.

Juniper is the Manufacturer of Record (MOR) for the engines using its joint venture relationship with Westport Innovations for emissions testing, certification and vehicle integration experience. Westport Innovations, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, produces a high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) system integrated with a Cummins Westport ISX G LPG engine available in 400 and 450 hp ratings.

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Specifications on the 2.0 L engine include four cylinders, an inline platform and cast-iron cylinder block. Rated output is 60 hp at 2700 rpm with a maximum torque of 118 lb.ft. at 1800 rpm. Dry weight is 335 lb.

The 2.4 L model is an inline four-cylinder engine rated 72 hp at 2700 rpm. It has an aluminum cylinder block and develops a maximum torque of 140 lb.ft. at 1800 rpm. Dry weight is 375 lb.

According to Juniper, the engines have a more compact fuel system and engine package and demonstrate a high torque and power density. Additional benefits include enhanced acceleration and transient response due to close placement of the fuel injection to the intake valve and a precise air-fuel ratio control optimizes catalyst costs.

Juniper, based in Vancouver, will provide the single point of contact for equipment manufacturers to reduce manufacturing and logistics costs, it said. The company has sales and engineering support in Vancouver; Charlotte, N.C.; Mexico; Argentina; Italy; China; and South Korea. Aftersales support will be provided through SIT Group, the parent company of OMVL. SIT produces safety, control and regulation equipment for a variety of applications including gas heating appliances.

The engines are designed to meet EPA and CARB standards for 2007 and 2010 and are anticipated for serial production in the second half of '09.