Westport Awarded LNG Development Program

A global truck OEM will fund development of Westport’s next-generation HPDI LNG fuel system.

January 18, 2024

Matt Wolfe

Westport’s HPDI fuel system consists of a cryogenic tank and integral high-pressure LNG pump mounted on the chassis of the truck. (Westport)

Westport Fuel Systems announced that it has been awarded a development program by a global heavy truck manufacturer to adapt its LNG HPDI fuel system to meet Euro 7 emissions requirements for heavy-duty vehicle applications.

Westport’s new fuel system will feature improved fuel pressure control, which supports higher pressure fuel supply systems to maximize engine performance and thermal efficiency. (Westport)

“This new program exemplifies our longstanding relationship with the OEM, emphasizing our shared vision of creating sustainable transport solutions around the world,” said Anders Johansson, VP of heavy-duty OEM for Westport Fuel Systems. “Our LNG HPDI fuel system enables long-haul trucks to significantly reduce CO2 emissions now while fully meeting a fleet’s performance demands for payload, performance and durability, as well as stringent Euro 7 emission regulations.”

According to Westport, the value of the program is estimated to total $33 million USD and will be funded by its OEM partner. Westport also states that work on the program has already begun, and the company has targeted a launch date “within the next few years.”

Gassed up

Westport’s patented injector features a dual concentric needle design. (Westport)

Westport’s HPDI fuel system consists of a fully integrated “tank to tip” solution, with a cryogenic tank and integral high-pressure LNG pump mounted on the chassis of the truck. The system is plumbed to the engine where fuel pressure is regulated before being supplied to the injectors via high-pressure fuel rails.

The system also features a patented injector with a dual concentric needle design which, according to Westport, allows for small quantities of pilot fuel and large quantities of natural gas to be delivered at high pressure to the combustion chamber. The natural gas is injected at the end of the compression stroke. The system was developed specifically to meet the Euro 7 standards, which will be implemented from mid-2027 onwards.

The cryogenic tank for the LNG system is plumbed to the engine where fuel pressure is regulated before being supplied to the injectors via high-pressure fuel rails. (Westport)

“Our collaboration advances our realistic, affordable and immediately available solution for fleets to achieve their decarbonization goals as well as driving the acceleration and scaling of development for global market adoption for a variety of OEMs,” Johansson said.

Westport’s new fuel system will be an evolution of its existing HPDI LNG application that is currently available and has been on the road for several years. The new system reportedly features improved fuel pressure control, which supports higher pressure fuel supply systems to maximize engine performance and thermal efficiency.

The ABCs of LNG

The concept of an LNG HPDI fuel system is based on diesel combustion technology. On HPDI-equipped engines, a small amount of diesel fuel is injected into the cylinder prior to the gas. This initiates the ignition process. The injector then uses concentric needles to enable diesel and gas to be delivered through the same injector.

Gasoline-fueled engines can achieve higher horsepower and torque output by using direct injection and relying on heated compression for ignition. Thus, the characteristic of the gas engine is very similar to a diesel engine in this instance.

Westport says the LNG HPDI system can help diesel engines meet existing standards for performance, fuel efficiency and operating range required for heavy-duty transport while also reducing their fuel consumption and decarbonized operation.

Westport provided specs for a 12.8-liter Volvo G13C460 six-cylinder engine equipped with its LNG HPDI system. According to internal testing, the unit achieved a maximum power output of 338 kW (460 hp) at 1700-1800 rpm and a maximum torque output of 2,300 Nm (1,696 lb-ft) at 1,050-1,300 rpm with a claimed 100% reduction in CO2 emissions well to wheel.