PSI to Introduce New 8.8-Liter Gas-Hybrid System at 2012 ACT Expo
WOOD DALE, IL - Power Solutions International, Inc. (OTCBB:PSIX) is introducing its latest product for the growing on-road clean-vehicle market, the newly designed and engineered 8.8-Liter Gas-Hybrid System.
The new offering extends PSI's cleantech engine line beyond Class 4 and 5 vehicles to Class 6 and 7 applications. The company also recently launched a new 8.8-Liter "Big Block" engine at RVIA in Louisville, KY. PSI will showcase both products at the 2012 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, which takes place May 15-17 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California.
"We're excited to launch this new product at ACT," said Gary Winemaster, CEO of PSI. "It's a perfect fit for on-road OEMs-a high-torque system delivered in a smaller, more efficient, fuel-flexible package."
As trade publications like Fleet Equipment have reported, bus, truck and municipal fleets are facing greater environmental scrutiny from both governments and customers with Tier-4 diesel emission regulations in effect and environmental awareness increasing. However, manufacturers of these vehicles have struggled to meet tougher compliance requirements while maintaining the cost and performance needs of fleets. The result has often been a trade-off: larger, less efficient systems with costly emission reduction components or smaller systems that can't deliver performance.
These compliance obstacles take place against a backdrop of unstable diesel fuel prices and decreasing costs for widely available, cleaner domestic fuels, such as natural gas (NG) and liquid propane (LP). Because of the cost and compliance issues, companies are seeking fuel-flexible alternatives to diesel derivative engines.
PSI designed the 8.8-Liter Gas-Hybrid system with these customers in mind. "This new system gives stop-and-go vehicles like buses and refuse trucks a durable, more efficient powertrain solution that's cost-effective and runs on clean, domestically available fuels," said Winemaster.
According to Don Wilkins, PSI's Vice President of Advanced Product Development, the system's sophisticated technology relies on an electric motor to do most of the transient work so that engines consistently run in an efficient state. The elimination of transient torque enables applications like refuse trucks and buses to downsize from larger engines to the more fuel efficient 8.8-Liter. The system's steady-state operation also reduces wear and tear, extending engine life.
PSI has integrated a120 kilowatt (kW) electric motor/generator to the engine to combine strong acceleration with improved fuel economy. "Our hybrid system makes an engine normally capable of 500 lb-ft of torque suitable for applications that require 1,000 lb-ft," said Wilkins. As a result, applications with higher transient torque, such as refuse trucks, can see efficiency gains of up to 40%.
"Our hybrid product launch demonstrates our commitment to pushing the limits on what is possible with green powertrain solutions. What makes PSI so unique is our ability to offer a fully integrated, turn-key solution that incorporates customer power requirements with lower operating costs and emissions." said Eric Cohen, Chief Operating Officer of PSI. According to Cohen, PSI meets OEM needs by custom designing specific applications and integrating technologies and components to deliver complete drop-in systems.
"PSI has evolved into a clean-tech innovator. We're meeting new environmental demands by engineering and developing engines systems from the ground up," said Jeremy Lessaris, PSI's Director of Marketing. Lessaris explained that PSI takes a modular design approach that allows customers to choose any combination of power system components, including the integrated starter generator, controls and power electronics, energy and fuel storage or transmission. This flexibility allows for the use of the best technology, designed around the application.
PSI will showcase its new clean-vehicle products at booth number 345 at the ACT Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center on May 15-17.
For more information contact:
Jeremy Lessaris, Director of Marketing
jlessaris@psiengines.com
Power Solutions International, Inc. (OTCBB:PSIX.OB) is a leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of emissions-certified alternative-fuel and conventional power systems. PSI provides integrated turnkey solutions to leading global original equipment manufacturers in the industrial, off- and on-road markets. Our unique in-house design, prototyping, engineering and testing capacities mean we can customize clean, high-performance engines that run on a wide variety of fuels including natural gas, propane, biogas, diesel, gasoline, or hybrid systems and meet applicable environmental standards. We develop and deliver complete .97 to 22-liter power systems to meet our customers' specific applications and power needs, as well as provide service parts and support. PSI power systems are used worldwide in power generators, forklifts, aerial lifts, and industrial sweepers, as well as in oil and gas, aircraft ground support, agricultural and construction equipment.
About the Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo
The ACT Expo is North America's premiere alternative fuels and clean vehicles conference and expo representing all alternative fuel types. ACT Expo showcases the latest in advanced clean vehicle technologies and funding opportunities, and provides a forum for policy and regulation updates and sharing best practices to support the increased deployment of AFV technologies.