Energy Conversions Inc.

Systems to Convert Diesel Engines to

Natural Gas
Transportation, Locomotives and Marine
Power Generation, On and Off shore
Energy Conversions Inc.
Company Background
Is a privately held corporation in the State of Washington
Formed in 1986 for the purpose of developing alternative fuel
equipment
Develops and manufactures engine conversion systems for diesel to
dual fuel or dedicated natural gas
In house testing and development facilities for EMD engines and
power generation engines of up to 4000 HP
25,000 sq. feet of warehouse, testing and manufacturing facilities
Products
EMD dual fuel systems
EMD spark ignited systems
Economizer systems, all four stroke engines
Custom engine monitoring systems
Testing and research
New product development
Gas System Basics
Dual fuel systems allow as much as 90% replacement of
diesel depending on engine and system type.
Economizer, few engine changes, additional hardware
Controller
Gas fuel supply system
EMD more involved, higher performing
Pistons, Heads, Cooling alterations
Controller
Gas fueling system
Locomotive Applications
Energy Conversions is world leader.
Converted two locomotives for LNG for Burlington Northern Railroad
evaluation 1990-96 (SD40-2), Successful 6 year demonstration. Also
converted for Napa Valley Railroad all gas, spark plug, CNG locomotive in
2000 (still operating). Peru GE road locomotive and Thailand GEA road
locomotive , Brazil BB36, DDM, Dash 9s, India passenger, CN SD40-2 2
systems rail commissioned in Sept. 2012 operation on branch line.
Power Generation Applications
Exclusive EMD product offering
Economizer highest performance low cost
system
3 20 cyl EMDs
3512 CAT Economizer 3406 CAT air compressor
Marine
Kings Pointer training vessel
Project was never completed, involved USCG and Marad
Petrobras Brazil
Project was never completed, ECI attained ABS type approval
New interests
Todays marine market is growing rapidly with 34 classed vessels
operating internationally. Tow boat / push boat large potential. Ferry
system in Washington moving forward with DNV and in depth studies.
Tote (not with ECI systems) moving forward with several container vessel
conversions.
General Aspects of Conversion in the US
Is Changing with abundant natural gas
The primary drive for conversion in USA has been the environment issue.
The cost difference alone between Diesel and NG typically wasnt good
enough IRR (investment return rate).
Gas engine and fuel storage equipment typically is more costly than diesel
Electric price and availability very good for stationary power
Emissions becoming a large issue with ICE (internal combustion engine)
Emissions are good, regulations challenging to work with
New diesel and gas prices are creating huge potential in several market
areas
General Aspects for Conversion
Internationally
Gas prices usually 25 to 50% of diesel
Gas availability increasing monthly
Electric availability not as good as US
Emission regulations not as strict
Aspects are better than US
Comparison of Technology
SI engine cons
Size, fuel flexibility, engine wear, efficiency,
ignition life, engine cost and no backup fuel,
slower engine response to load change
Competitors dual fuel conversion systems
less detailed control, reduced protection,
reduced overall replacement
ECI Manufactured Products
Ranges from quality cast iron parts,
machined components, fabricated items
to electronic circuit boards
Product integration and assembly
Wholly owned software source code
Testing and final commissioning
Economizer Style Conversion
Simple application requiring no major engine
modifications
Conversion time and cost is not significant
System designs vary dependent on
application
Fully automated control of gas operation
Knock detection and control.
EMD Style Systems
May or may not be fully enhanced after cooling
Separate circuit after cooling with active flow
controls provided max performance
Auxiliary hydraulic system for gas injectors
Integrated after cooling with Vaporizer
Speed governor uses gas control
Bank idling system for diesel idle
Engine monitoring for EGT and knock
Engine water pre-heating strongly recommended
EMD Hardware Examples
Separate Circuit After Cooling
EMD After Cooling Drawing
Gas Fuel Connection to Locomotive
Thailand
Peru
CNG pressure reducer
Locomotive Piping
Brazil prototype tender
Brazil pre-production units
UP car in 2003 never made it to rails until
CN picked it up and did a refit with ECI
BN project in 1989, first tender car
BN refueling station Staples MN
CN locomotive
Re-fit summer 2012
CN commissions UP car for the first time 20
Years later
Energy Conversions Inc.
6411 Pacific Hwy. E
Tacoma, WA 98424
253-922-6670
www.energyconversions.com