Cummins, U.S. Gov't move towards high-efficiency engine
COLUMBUS, Ind. (May 19, 2005) -- Cummins recently announced significant progress toward meeting engine efficiency and emissions targets as part of the government-industry 21st Century Truck Partnership with the truck and bus industry. According to a press release, Cummins -- which is working on the project with the U.S. Department of Energy -- has demonstrated an ISX heavy-duty truck engine with an increased Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) of 45 percent while reducing emissions to levels associated with the future introduction of 2007 technology. Particulate Matter emissions were reduced to 0.01 gram/hp-hr by using a Cummins Particulate Filter, while oxides of nitrogen were lowered to 1.2 gram/hp-hr using in-cylinder combustion control. The work provides a foundation for the further development of engines capable of meeting EPA 2007/10 emissions, the company says. Current heavy-duty engines meeting the EPA 2002 regulation typically achieve a BTE level of 41 percent. Brake Thermal Efficiency represents in percentage terms the amount of energy converted from diesel fuel into useful mechanical work by the engine. By increasing the BTE level, the engine becomes more efficient and offers the potential for increased fuel efficiency by a near equivalent percentage. Coincidentally, achieving higher fuel efficiency also results in reduced CO2 greenhouse gas emissions from the engine. The 21st Century Truck Partnership between government and industry was initiated in April 2001 with the key aim of achieving a tenfold reduction in engine emissions combined with a substantial increase in engine efficiency. The DOE leads a federal multi-agency mission to reduce dependence on imported oil and improve the nation's air quality. Cummins, along with other industry participants, has worked in close cooperation with the DOE to set ambitious program targets through 2012.