Cummins demonstrating highly efficient 2007 compliant engine prototype

6 May 2005

Cummins announced an ISX heavy-duty truck engine prototype with an increased brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of 45%. The engine meets the 2007 emission standards utilizing a diesel particulate filter to reduce PM emissions to below 0.01 g/bhp-hr, and in-cylinder combustion controls to reduce NOx to below 1.2 g/bhp-hr.

The improved engine efficiency results in increased fuel economy and reduced CO₂ emissions. Current heavy-duty engines meeting the EPA 2002/2004 standards typically achieve a BTE level of 41%, said Cummins.

The development has been co-sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE), as part of the government/industry 21^st Century Truck Partnership. The next phase of the program targets 50% BTE while meeting EPA 2010 emission standards (NOx = 0.2 g/hp-hr).

More technical details were presented by Cummins during the DEER conference in August 2004, at a time the engine efficiency was 44%. The engine was based on the existing 2002 platform, but utilized dual EGR valves and coolers. Further improvement in efficiency was achieved through optimized combustion performance and reductions in parasitic loads on the engine.

Source: Cummins (press release)