For the last century, diesel has dominated the energy source options for powering off-highway equipment.
However, energy options are now changing, as fuels such as ethanol, methanol, bio-methane and hydrogen emerge as alternatives to powering heavy equipment.
For Perkins Engines, emerging power options creates a new challenge: delivering a constant experience for the end user, regardless of the fuel powering the machine.
“It would be nice if the pivot was to a single fuel, but that isn’t going to happen,” said Paul Moore, Integrated Powertrain Engineering Manager at Perkins. “The reason why that isn’t going to happen is because the sort of the global spectrum in terms of energy supply is different.”
To develop the solution, Perkins launched Project Coeus, a research collaboration with Equipmake and Loughborough University’s Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering School. Project Coeus aims to design and produce an advanced multi-fuel, drop-in hybrid integrated power unit.
“From an engineering perspective, this is a really interesting challenge to solve, because it is different to the on-highway world that is transitioning to full electrification,” Moore explained.
“This is a different challenge because of the diversity of the applications.”
By creating a drop-in engine, Perkins can assist all OEMs to incorporate the emerging technology required to navigate the energy transition.
In the equipment world, a handful of machines and manufacturers account for the bulk of equipment in use.
However, many small OEMs and machines are required for numerous specialized applications.
“This provides some challenges from an engineering perspective, because these smaller OEMs typically struggle to develop or to evolve with new technologies,” Moore said.
“Compared to the on-highway industry, how these machines are used is extremely diverse. So, the solution that is required is not a singular thing.”
Project Coeus prototype
Project Coeus has now completed the first year of its three-year R&D schedule. At the end of 2024, the project entered the procurement and build phase of its first engine — a hydrogen power unit based upon the Perkins 1206 engine that’s capable of generating 180 kw.
“In a year, we’ve essentially gone from a few pieces of paper to having our first prototype engine built. We’re excited about that,” Moore said.
“This will be our first engine that we run on hydrogen.”
During the first two quarters of 2025, Perkins will test the prototype.
In 2026, the engine will be paired with the hybrid motor and enter real-world testing in a yet-to-be-determined customer application.
The Project Coeus prototype will make its public debut at Perkins’ booth at bauma in April.
Hybrid development
The UK-based Equipmake is tasked with developing the hybrid system for Project Coeus. Founded in 1997, Equipmake develops electric power solutions for specified applications. The company is also developing the first fully electric aircraft.
“When we were approached by Perkins for this, it fell exactly in our sweet spot of actually developing something specific for the application,” said Ian Foley, Founder of Equipmake.
By incorporating a hybrid system, Project Coeus can deliver consistent power, response and torque, regardless of the fuel type used.
“The hybrid system also provides an additional efficiency gain, which again helps with the adoption of these fuels,” Moore said.
Spark-ignited engine
Unlike a diesel power system, the prototype engine uses spark-ignited combustion.
To ensure the engine has the flexibility to accommodate different fuels, Perkins is harnessing the world-class diagnostic capabilities of Loughborough University in England. Working with the university, Project Coeus can determine the correct flow and spray requirements for combustion without requiring a different engine for each fuel.
“This project is fantastic for us in terms of the collaboration on something that is really pushing boundaries. Something that is hopefully going into production at some stage,” said Edward Long, Senior Lecturer in Fluids Engineering at Loughborough University. “It’s applying our set of skills to something that will have valuable impact.”
