LPG Engine Development, Safety Systems, and Sensor Innovation

ADEPT led the formation of a public-private-institutional partnership to design, test, and demonstrate dedicated medium- and heavy-duty liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines for the mass transit industry. The program included emissions testing at ORTEC in Canada, where ADEPT oversaw the evaluation of engine performance and regulatory compliance. In parallel, our team co-designed and built a microturbine-powered minibus as a demonstration of low-emission transit technologies. In addition, ADEPT conducted forensic investigations into LPG overfill protection devices used in school buses, as well as root cause analysis of malfunctions in LPG engine systems. The team developed and fielded novel instrumentation, including a non-invasive acoustic device to quantify volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during LPG tank refueling, and a non-intrusive level-sensing system for LPG storage tanks, both of which were successfully distributed for commercial use. Further efforts included nationwide distribution of LPG gas water heaters, technical consulting for LPG gas alarm manufacturers regarding sensor integration, and participation on the NFPA 58 safety standards committee to inform national codes governing LPG systems.