The FlexDI technology of Orbital was selected as blueprint for the new FlexFuel engines that Sygma Motors is currently developing. The technology application will begin with an engine testing and development program which is worth around US$1.1 million.

Included in these engineering programs is the development of a spark-ignited ethanol combustion system. This spark-ignited ethanol combustion system is pegged to be used during the team-up’s public demonstration. The ethanol combustion system is also targeted to replace the existing diesel application systems being used now.

The three companies are also set to collaborate on flex-fuel OEs and other retrofit applications for commercial vehicles with either diesel-pilot ignition for Ethanol and CNG fuels, or spark-ignition FlexDI.

Orbital’s new FlexDI system gives car manufacturers the potential to develop a wider range of engines which run on ethanol, gasoline, hydrogen, Natural Gas / CNG, and SI-heavy-fueled variants. It is also possible for Orbital’s FlexDI engine to be configured for Tri-Fuel and Bi-fuel operations in the future.

FlexDI’s technology, according to its manufacturers, is driven towards the promotion of alternative fuels which give lower levels of CO2 emission. The company’s technology is strongly pro-environment, focusing on clean energy production to beat the greenhouse effect. These new breed of FlexDI engines are also projected to be cost efficient.