Next gen opposed-piston gasoline compression ignition engine

Ricardo has worked in collaboration with Achates Power, one of the world’s leading engine design companies, to develop the next generation of opposed-piston gasoline compression ignition engines for light duty vehicles. 

Challenge

Stricter emissions targets mean businesses are now responsible for developing and delivering a range of solutions that reduce Co2 for reliable and cost-efficient transportation. 
This multi-phase project (BERYL), on behalf of Achates Power, was funded by the US Government’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) with the aim of creating a fuel efficient, lightweight engine. With a minimum power output of 270HP, it will demonstrate a pathway to meet Tier 3 Bin 125 criteria emissions.  

Approach

• Ricardo experts have undertaken design and systems integration as part of a multi-phase project with Achates Power
• Achieved the target of a 60% weight reduction, compared to the first generation of the engine
• The project team expects that when fully developed the engine can achieve up to 20% fuel economy improvement over the baseline
• The engine will also deliver an unadjusted corporate average fuel economy and combined 35 MPG for a full-sized pick-up truck, alongside diesel-like torque from a gasoline engine

Ricardo used the following approach:

• Collaborate with client to understand key requirements and parameters of the project
• Utilise Ricardo’s expertise and experience in opposed-piston gasoline compression ignition engine technology and development
• Design, development and first fire and controls commissioning, alongside early-stage test phases
• Further phases to follow…

Recommendations

Ricardo delivers value to its clients through its expertise and experience in the development of opposed-piston gasoline compression ignition engines. The team provided design and systems integration. First fire and controls commissioning are now complete, along with early-stage test phases. 

Results

• Client gains a design and integrated solution for a fuel efficient, lightweight engine for the light commercial vehicle market
• Client is assisted in its pathway to meet Tier 3 Bin 125 emissions targets
• Achieves a 60% weight reduction, compared to the first generation of the engine
• The project team expects that when fully developed the engine can achieve up to 20% fuel economy improvement over the baseline
• An unadjusted corporate average fuel economy and combined 35 MPG, for a full-sized pick-up truck
• Diesel-like torque from a gasoline engine
• Design and development enabled the use of Achates existing infrastructure to allow for a quicker deployment and adoption