LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bendix has taken its “first foray into the powertrain arena” with the introduction of a pneumatic booster system (PBS) designed to improve fuel economy and acceleration while reducing emissions.

Steve Mance, vice-president and general manager for Bendix’s charging business, said the PBS can reduce turbo lag by five seconds, cut fuel consumption by 2-5%, NOx emissions by 5% and particulate matter (PM) by as much as 25%.

Eventually, the company is hopeful customers can use PBS to downsize their engine requirements thanks to the performance improvements and move to smaller SCR and DPF systems, thanks to the reduction in emissions. PBS also eliminates the need for a second turbo in some applications.

The PBS unit is placed near the air intake manifold and monitors the controller area network (CAN) for specific signals, Bendix explained.When the system is activated, the PBS injects compressed air from the auxiliary air tank into the engine manifold, delivering the optimum amount of air for combustion and eliminating turbo lag.

“Bendix has long been known as a pioneer in commercial vehicle air treatment. We are using our core air management capabilities and expertise to go beyond the air brake system,” said Mance. “We have designed a completely new product that will greatly benefit our customers and contribute to minimizing engine emissions.”

PBS is still undergoing internal validation, according to Bendix, but early testing has been encouraging. The company said it has found that a 7.8-litre engine with PBS has better overall performance than a typical 10-litre engine. Two models are currently available: the PBS 200 for 4-to 8-litre engines; and the PBS 400 designed for 8-to 13-litre engines.

“Bendix developed this technology to allow for a smaller engine with comparable engine and vehicle performance,” Mance said. “Ultimately, PBS will help address EPA emissions standards by improving fuel economy and minimizing emissions released into the environment. We developed this smart system to respond to changing global rules, while also delivering the most effective cost-competitive solution.”