IMPCO and Scania Develop Gas Powered Truck Fuel System

Autoparts Report, Feb 23, 2001

IMPCO Technologies, Inc. said that it is continuing to participate in a lead program with Scania Great Britain Limited to develop a new, ultra-low emissions fuel and engine management system for large trucks that improve performance, power and mileage while reducing typical diesel emissions by employing lean-burn natural gas technology.

Scania Ltd. in conjunction with IMPCO Technologies, Mobil CNG and BG Group developed the program, which revolves around current Scania 3-Series vehicles that are reengineered for gas operation, and then recycled into the market place.

The system can be ordered with either CNG or LNG, operates with much less emissions levels, is quieter and obtains a operating range of 400 miles, IMPCO said.. Mobil CNG and BG Group of the UK install the refueling stations on the vehicle operator's property to ensure a steady supply of fuel at all times, it added.

Central to each gas-truck is the IMPCO Eclipse fuel and engine management system. The 32-bit Eclipse processor was specially designed to control the air/fuel ratio and ignition system, IMPCO said. The Eclipse incorporates a "knock" sensor and timing control function, which ensures optimal engine performance and durability, according to the company. Misfire and two levels of redundant self-diagnostics are also included in the Eclipse software, it added.

The Eclipse is also capable of closed-loop learning that enables the processor to automatically compensate for fuel composition shifts in quality while maintaining ultra-low emission levels, the company said.