COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins recently demonstrated its ability to meet stringent emissions standards as part of a 21st Century Truck Partnership involving the trucking industry and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

As part of the challenge, an ISX heavy-duty truck engine was developed which boasted an increased brake thermal efficiency of 45 per cent while reducing emissions to levels associated with the EPA’s 2007 standards.

Particulate Matter was reduced to 0.01 grams/hp-hr using a Cummins particulate filter and NOx was reduced to 1.2 grams/hp-hr through in-cylinder combustion control. Cummins says the work provides a foundation for further development of engines capable of meeting the upcoming 2007 and 2010 emission standards.

The company adds current heavy-duty engines meeting the 2002 emissions standards typically achieve a brake thermal efficiency (the amount of energy converted from diesel into useful mechanical work by the engine) level of only 41 per cent. Increasing the brake thermal efficiency makes the engine more efficient and results in better fuel efficiency, Cummins says.

“Heavy-duty truck diesels represent the most energy-efficient power unit we have on the road today for moving goods or passengers. As part of this program between government and industry, Cummins has successfully demonstrated that the heavy-duty engine has the potential for even higher levels of efficiency while still meeting stringent emissions requirements," said Edward Wall, head of the DOE’s FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies Office. "Looking ahead, this offers the opportunity for our trucks and buses to reduce fuel consumption and help reduce the nation’s dependency on imported oil.”

“We have achieved some impressive technology advances to meet the initial engine efficiency and emissions deliverables of the program. Now we are moving ahead to achieve an even higher 50% BTE target with NOx emissions at a lower level of 0.2 g/hp-hr,” added Christine Vujovich, Cummins vice-president of marketing and environmental policy. “A key program driver for Cummins is to ensure that these technical advances are commercially viable and minimize the impact on OEM vehicle installation. The Department of Energy provided an invaluable level of cooperation throughout the program. It demonstrates just how much can be achieved when federal agencies and industry work together toward a common goal in the best interest of the nation’s environment and energy security."