Westport Innovations (TSX: WPT,Stock Forum) increased its lead as a provider of advanced natural gas engines and vehicles when the company unveiled today its newest proprietary technology, the world's first enhanced spark-ignited (ESI) natural gas system.
According to the news release, the system was designed to provide up to 10% improvement in power and torque over the base diesel engine, potentially allowing a 4L natural gas engine to replace a 6L diesel engine which would result in a considerable reduction in mass.
The system is also highly efficient in converting fuel into useful energy, providing 40% brake thermal efficiency while typical spark ignited natural gas engines have approximately 25-30% brake thermal efficiency and diesel engines have approximately 41% brake thermal efficiency.
There is also a 5% weight reduction compared to the base diesel engine, a critical element for fleet trucks as any weight reduction results in increased payload.
The Westport™ ESI combustion system is geared toward sub 9L engines for Class 6 and 7 (medium-duty) trucks applications and is also adaptable for sub 2L applications for use in automotive and non-automotive applications.
Company VP of Global Spark Ignited Direct Injection, Jack Keaton, commented on the milestone, “As gasoline and diesel engines progress, it is critical that OEMs offer natural gas engines that retain their expected performance while providing the environmental and economic benefits of natural gas.”
He went on to illustrate, “Westport is taking its technology leadership to the next level by introducing a long term technology solution that allows improvements in engine performance and fuel economy, thus offering highly attractive operating costs and low emissions profile.”
Then he summed up, “As the ESI technology continues to be developed, Westport will incorporate competitive performance upgrades to support the longevity of this system.”
Westport Innovations was in the news recently when the Vancouver-based company announced a change to its board of directors in the middle of August.
Shares edged up 3.75% on the news to $12.46 per share.
Currently there are 63.1m outstanding shares with a market cap of $786.7 million.