|
25 September 2007
ORBITAL APPROVES ENVIROFIT KIT
FOR RETROFIT TAXIS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Envirofit have commenced production of the
retrofit kit using Orbital air assisted direct injection systems
for the 3 wheeler taxis that are an integral part of the Philippines
transport infrastructure. The retrofit kit reportedly reduces carbon
monoxide emissions by 76%, carbon dioxide emissions by 35%, and
hydrocarbon emissions by 89% compared to the standard carburetted
2-stroke engine, effectively eliminating more than a ton of air
pollution every year for every retrofit kit installed.
Use of the retrofit kit offers the taxi driver
fuel efficiency gains of up to 35%, and up to a 50% reduction in
lubricating oil consumption. The fuel efficiency gains enable the
taxi driver to recoup all costs within one year of operation, and
from that point in time an increase in his weekly take home pay.
Envirofit, a Licensee to Orbital's Technologies,
developed the retrofit kit and program over the last 4 years and
have now successfully completed validation of the retrofit kit.
Up to 130 pilot vehicles have been run over the last 8 months in
Vigan and Puerto Princesa in the Philippines as a part of the validation
process with very positive responses from the taxi drivers and from
the local municipal councils supporting the program.
As a part of the process, Envirofit has set
up local supply of many of the components, along with setting up
the conversion workshops and training of the local personnel to
carry out the conversions and to provide on-going support. Synerject,
the 50:50 Joint Venture partnership between Orbital and Siemens
VDO supplies the air injector and other key Engine Management System
components to Envirofit.
Dr Rod Houston, Orbital's CEO comments "This
is a new application where Orbital's technology and Synerject components
can make a direct and significant improvement to air quality and
fuel efficiency. There are a large number of 2-stroke taxis in the
Philippines which could be retrofitted if this first release is
successful and there are opportunities to expand this solution to
other 2-stroke markets in Asia."
Further information on Envirofit and the retrofit program may be
found on http://www.envirofit.org/
|
