Power Solutions International Inc. (PSI), a leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of emissions-certified, alternative-fuel and conventional power systems, announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified the company's 8.8-liter propane and natural gas fueled engine for on-highway applications.
PSI's 8.8-liter alternatively-fueled system is a cost-competitive, easy-to-integrate option for medium-duty commercial truck and bus fleets. The new engine suits a wide range of on-highway applications, including vocational trucks, school and transit buses, delivery fleets, recreational vehicles, tow and utility trucks, and garbage trucks.
"We recognize the need for our customers to have flexible power solutions that address emissions regulations," says Gary Winemaster, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PSI. "Our alternative-fuel engines are a cleaner and considerably less expensive solution when compared to diesel. With this engine, we offer on-highway OEMs a quality alternative that meets their performance, compliance and economic demands, while providing the flexibility to choose the best fueling strategy today and in the future."
Winemaster adds that the new 8.8 liter engine solves two key problems in today's alternative fuel engine market: the limited range of available platforms, and the quality and performance shortcomings of current products. OEMs in primarily diesel-driven industries have sought alternatives, but have not found systems that meet their size and power range requirements. With diesel fuel costs remaining high and emission regulations creating compliance hurdles, PSI sees solid indicators of industry demand for alternative-fuel solutions. This newly certified engine will play a key role in opening up these new markets for PSI.
PSI's 8.8-liter liquid-injected propane engine is designed for diesel-like power and performance, producing 270 hp at 2,600 rpm and 565 lbs.-ft. of torque at 1,500 rpm. The low-speed engine supports SAE 2 and SAE 3 transmission interfaces, which offer OEMs many more transmission options. All PSI 8.8-liter engines come standard with advanced front accessory drives, including the following features: an eight-groove belt, an electronically controlled viscous fan clutch, an integrated pad-mounted alternator that supports up to 320 amps, and a pad-mounted AC compressor.
PSI developed strategic partnerships with Delphi for advanced controls, and Ricardo for testing, validation and certification of the engine.
PSI's alternative-fuel power systems also support a wide range of off-highway mobile applications, such as terminal tractors, forklift trucks, cranes, straddle carriers, shuttles, sweepers, aircraft ground support and food service vehicles, de-icers, refueling trucks and top handlers.
