Achates Power has been developing an OPOC-type engine using an opposed-piston, compressed-ignition two-stroke system.  The company has tested their improved design 3-cylinder engine configuration and received a 20% improvement in cycle-averaged brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) when compared to current advanced medium-duty four-stroke diesel engines.

This shows a 7% improvement over last year’s Achates engine (tested in September, 2010).  The company has shown consistent fuel efficiency gains with each iteration of the engine.

The Achates engine has been presented (with efficiency results) at the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT), the SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress (ComVEC), and others.

The engine is being developed for medium-duty applications.

Achates engine in test rig

Related posts:

1. Achates Opposed-Piston Engine 53% Efficient, Study Says