Diesel
[Due to the increasing size of the archives, each topic page now contains only the prior 365 days of content. Access to older stories is now solely through the Monthly Archive pages or the site search function.]
Delphi Direct Acting Piezo Injector Debuts on the Mercedes C250 CDI
December 01, 2008
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| Delphi Direct Acting Diesel Common Rail System includes (clockwise from top left): DFI3 Piezo Injectors with Common Rail, Series 9 Modular Fuel Filter, DCM4 Light Duty Controller, and DFP3 High Pressure Pump. Click to enlarge. |
Delphi Corporation’s new Direct Acting Piezo injector (earlier post) is making its debut in the new Direct Acting Diesel Common Rail System on the new Mercedes C250 CDI. In the new system, the injector needle is directly activated by a piezo ceramic actuator, removing the hydraulic circuit and its associated lag and energy consumption.
The piezo ceramic actuator directly operates the needle valve of the injector for initial lifts, such as those obtained in pilot injections, and a motion amplifier is used to help complete the lift for large injections. This enables the injector to spray fuel into the combustion chamber faster, with much improved spray momentum and accuracy, at higher pressures (up to 2,000 bar).
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Fiat Extends Bravo Range with New 2.0L Diesel
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| The Bravo 2.0 Multijet. Click to enlarge. |
Fiat has extended its Bravo range with a new 165 bhp (123 kW) 2.0 Multijet with DPF (particulate filter), type-approved to Euro 5 standards. The new diesel is derived from the 1.9 Multijet and offers benefits over its predecessor in performance (+ 18% torque at a lower rpm and +10% power output); emissions; and fuel consumption (-5.4%) over a combined cycle.
The increase in cylinder capacity between the two engine versions was achieved by increasing the bore from 82 mm to 83 mm. The compression ratio was also reduced from 17.5:1 to 16.5:1, enabling a reduction in NOx levels. Compared to the 1.9 Multijet, the 165 bhp engine uses a new type of low voltage spark plugs that allow starting with minimum preheating times.
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Porsche Gets Green Light for Cayenne Diesel; Hybrid Still in the Works
November 20, 2008
Porsche’s Executive Board has approved the production of a Cayenne SUV equipped with a diesel engine. The Board said the decision was in response to changed legal regulations, especially in European markets, resulting in tax incentives for vehicles with diesel engines. Furthermore, it said, Porsche’s stake in the Volkswagen Group, the world’s largest manufacturer of modern diesel engines for passenger cars, has opened up new opportunities to utilize diesel technology.
Porsche will equip the Cayenne with a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine with 240 hp (176 kW) of power and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque supplied by Audi AG, a subsidiary of the VW Group. The average consumption of the Cayenne Diesel is 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers (25 mpg US), with CO2 at 244 grams per kilometer. The new Cayenne diesel will initially be offered in Europe. Preparations for market introduction in other countries are underway.
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Production Version of the Renault-Nissan 3.0L V6 dCi Diesel; Targeted for the Maxima in the US
November 19, 2008
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| The 3.0-liter V6 dCi 235. Click to enlarge. |
The Renault-Nissan Alliance unveiled the production version of its new 3.0-liter V6 dCi Diesel engine on the Laguna Coupé at the Paris motorshow in October 2008. In 2007, the Alliance had shown a concept version of the engine. (Earlier post.)
This is the first diesel V6 developed and produced by the Alliance, and will equip upper-range vehicles to meet the demand for engines that are powerful and yet fuel- and CO2-efficient. The engine will be used in the upcoming US Tier 2 Bin 5 compliant Nissan Maxima in 2010.
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Dimethoxymethane (DMM)/Diesel Blends as a Low-Cost Approach for Emissions Control
November 17, 2008
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| Relationship between NOx and smoke of the DMM blends under one set of speed and load conditions. Click to enlarge. Credit: ACS |
Researchers at Xi’an Jiaotong University in China have investigated the combustion, performance, and emissions of a direct-injection (DI) diesel engine fueled with dimethoxymethane (DMM)/diesel blends, with DMM content ranging from 0 to 50%.
Their results showed that, with no changes to the fuel injection system or modifications to the engine, smoke and CO emissions decrease and NOx remains almost unchanged, while hydrocarbons (HCs) increase. Brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) is higher (DMM has a smaller lower heating value than diesel), while thermal efficiency increases a little. A diesel engine fueled with a 30% DMM blend can deliver both satisfactory fuel efficiency and emissions levels, they conclude. A report on their study was published online 14 November in the ACS journal Energy & Fuels.
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Mazda Offering Three Power Levels of New 2.2L Diesel in Mazda6
November 11, 2008
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| The new MZR-CD 2.2 diesel comes in three power levels for the Mazda6. Click to enlarge. |
Mazda is offering a choice of three power levels for the new 2.2-liter diesel engine applied in the Mazda6 for 2009: 124 hp (92 kW); 161 hp (120 kW); and 182 hp (136 kW). The engines deliver 310 Nm (229 lb-ft); 360 Nm (266 lb-ft); and 410 Nm (302 lb-ft) of torque, respectively.
Overall, the new MZR-CD 2.2-liter offers substantially higher power and torque than the previous-generation 2.0-liter diesel, while delivering equal levels of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
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Hyundai Shows New R-Engine Diesel
November 04, 2008
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| The R-Engine. Click to enlarge. |
Hyundai Motor Co. revealed some details of the R-Engine, its newest passenger diesel, during the 8th Advanced Diesel Engine Technology Symposium held at the company’s Namyang R&D Center. The R-Engine will enter production next year and will see its first application on the 2010 Tuscon and Sonata models which are due to be launched in the coming year.
Available in 2.0- and 2.2-liter displacements, the four-cylinder engines deliver 135 kW (181 hp) and 147 kW (197 hp) of power respectively. Torque is 392 Nm (289 lb-ft) and 436 Nm (322 lb-ft) respectively. Hyundai positions the R-Engine as outperforming its German and French competitors.
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Newly Discovered Fungus Produces “Myco-Diesel” Bio-hydrocarbons
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| Colorized environmental scanning electron microscope photo of Gliocladium roseum, an endophytic fungus that produces myco-diesel hydrocarbons. (Photo courtesy of Gary Strobel.) Click to enlarge. |
A team led by Montana State University professor Gary Strobel has found an endophytic fungus, Gliocladium roseum (NRRL 50072), that naturally produces a large range of 55 different volatile hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives—a number of which are normally associated with diesel fuel. Accordingly, the researchers have termed the fungus’s output “myco-diesel”.
Extraction of liquid cultures of the fungus also revealed the presence of numerous fatty acids and other lipids. All of these findings have implications in energy production and utilization, the researchers concluded. A paper on the discovery appears in the November issue of the journal Microbiology.
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Developer of Syngas-Based Emissions Reduction System Closes $15.4 Million Investment Round; Picks Up Japanese Automaker as Investor
October 30, 2008
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| NxtGen Syngas Diesel Aftertreatment System. NxtGen components are in blue. Click to enlarge. |
NxtGen Emission Controls Inc., the developer of a syngas-based diesel emission reduction system (earlier post) has closed a US$15.4 million Series B investment led by Altira Group LLC.
The investment was led by Altira from its US$176 million Altira Technology V Fund L.P. Other new investors in the financing include the corporate venture capital arm of a major Japanese automobile company and ITOCHU Corporation, a major international trading company with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. ITOCHU will distribute NxtGen’s products in Japanese and Asian markets. Current investors participated in the financing, including Yaletown Venture Partners, GrowthWorks Capital, BC Advantage Funds and Polygon Financial Investments.
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ARB Publishes Latest Draft of New Regulations for In-Use Heavy-Duty Trucks
October 24, 2008
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) published for public comment its latest draft version of a new regulation that, if adopted at the Board’s 11 December hearing, will further reduce emissions from the approximately one million in-use heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California beginning in 2010. (Earlier post.)
The regulation, which originates from the board’s diesel program, is targeted at further reductions in NOx and PM emissions, and will require truck owners to install diesel PM filters on their rigs starting in 2010, with nearly all vehicles upgraded by 2014. Owners must also turn over engines older than the 2010 equivalent to cleaner engines according to a staggered implementation schedule between 2012 and 2022.
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Brazil’s Votorantim Takes Stake in Amyris; Support for Commercializing Diesel From Sugarcane by 2010
October 15, 2008
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| Amyris is engineering yeast to produce renewable hydrocarbon fuels. Click to enlarge. |
Brazil’s Votorantim Novos Negócios (New Business) has made a strategic equity investment in Amyris, a synthetic biology company focusing on renewable hydrocarbon fuels (earlier post). This investment supports the Amyris’ objective of commercializing renewable diesel fuel produced via fermentation of sugar from sugarcane by 2010, and brings to more than $100 million the total capital raised by Amyris during the past year.
Earlier this year, Amyris and Crystalsev, one of Brazil’s largest ethanol distributors and marketers, established a joint venture to commercialize advanced renewable fuels—including diesel, gasoline and jet fuel—made from sugarcane.
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GM Europe Equips Cadillac BLS with New 1.9L Diesel and 2.0L Flex-fuel Engines
October 10, 2008
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| The Cadillac BLS. |
GM Europe is offering two new engines on its 2008 Cadillac BLS: a new 132 kW (177 hp) diesel unit and a 147 kW (197 hp) Flexpower gasoline-ethanol flex-fuel engine. The 2008 Cadillac BLS range is now available with a choice of two common-rail diesel and four gasoline engines; all six engines are turbocharged.
Engine outputs range from 110 kW (147 hp) to 188 kW (252 hp); every engine is available with manual or automatic transmission.
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Port Injection of Secondary Fuel Can Simultaneously Lower NOx and PM in a Direct Injection Biodiesel Engine
October 08, 2008
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| Effect of premixed fuels on the engine emissions at different equivalency ratios. Click to enlarge. Credit: ACS |
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University found that port fuel injection of a secondary fuel with a lower boiling point in a biodiesel-fueled, direct injection engine can simultaneously reduce both NOx and PM emissions. A paper on their work appeared online 4 October in the journal Energy & Fuels.
A number of studies have shown that the use of biodiesel in light- and heavy-duty diesel engines can lower PM, CO, SOx, and HC emissions compared to standard diesel fuel combustion with comparable or even slightly better engine efficiency. However, NOx levels can increase—a problem when confronting more stringent regulatory limits on NOx emissions.
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BAE Systems Introduces Improved Version of HybriDrive
October 06, 2008
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| BAE’s HybriDrive applied in an inline configuration in a Daimler Buses North America Orion VII NG (next generation). Click to enlarge. |
BAE Systems introduced an improved version of its series hybrid propulsion system that can be used on multiple bus platforms, is mechanically simpler, reduces maintenance costs, and makes possible the use of electric accessories. The company unveiled the latest HybriDrive system at the American Public Transportation Association’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego.
Based on the company’s series diesel-electric hybrid technology already in use, the new system can be configured with the diesel engine and generator arranged inline or transversely to make it adaptable to a wider range of bus models. It also can generate power for electrically operated systems such as air conditioning, power steering, engine cooling, and lighting, serving these electrical loads without belt-driven alternators.
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VW Introduces Passat BlueTDI, BlueMotion 2 and Concept Variant BlueMotion II; Bin 5 and Euro 6 Compliance, Stop/Start and Regenerative Braking
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| The VW Passat Variant BlueMotion II. Click to enlarge. |
At the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Passat BlueTDI (a Passat model with an SCR system to cut NOx to US Bin 5 and Euro-6 levels); the second-generation of the Passat BlueMotion, equipped with a stop/start system as standard; and a concept Passat Variant BlueMotion II, which takes the SCR system of the BlueTDI model and applies it in a more fuel-efficient BlueMotion variant featuring regenerative braking. The Passat BlueTDI is due to go into production in 2009; the new Passat BlueMotion is launching this year. VW plans to produce the BlueMotion II as well.
Among its other introductions at the show, VW highlighted the concept of the next Golf GTI with reduced fuel consumption; a new v6 FSI (gasoline direct injection) model of the Phaeton (which will now also feature stop/start systems as standard); and the sixth generation of the Golf (earlier post).
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GM Opel Previews ecoFLEX Version of Insignia with 2.0L Diesel with Closed-Loop Combustion
October 05, 2008
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| The Vauxhall version of the Insignia ecoFLEX. Click to enlarge. |
GM Opel previewed an ecoFLEX version of its new Insignia at the Paris Motor Show. The newest ecoFLEX model features a 2.0-liter single turbo diesel that delivers 118 kW (160 hp) of power and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. Opel anticipates that the Insignia EcoFlex, which is still under the development, will have CO2 emissions well below 140 g/km (approximately 44 mpg US, using EPA methodology, earlier post).
The new 2.0-liter common-rail four-cylinder unit controls combustion via an electronic closed-loop system, adapting fuel injection to combustion development in real time to minimize emissions. (The closed-loop approach is also used in the 2.9L V-6 diesel being developed for the Cadillac CTS. Earlier post.) Piezo-resistive cylinder pressure sensors integrated in the glow plugs are used to measure combustion pressures as high as 180 bar in each individual cylinder up to one million times per minute, within an accuracy of 98%.
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Audi Introduces A4 TDI concept e: 59 mpg US
October 03, 2008
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| The A4 concept e at the Paris show. Click to enlarge. |
Audi introduced the A4 TDI concept e at the Paris Motor Show. The diesel A4 TDI concept e offers fuel consumption of 3.99 L/100km (59 mpg US) and CO2 output of 105 grams per km (168.98 g/mile). The car accelerates from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 10.7 seconds, and tops out at 206 kph (128 mph).
Audi achieved the fuel savings through what it calls the systematic use of efficiency modules, including the use of a start-stop system and energy recuperation system.
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PSA Peugeot Citroën Unveils HYmotion4 All-Wheel Hybrid Drivetrain; Diesel and Gasoline, Front- and Rear-Engined Variants
October 02, 2008
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| The HYmotion4 hybrid powertrain components as applied in the Prologue concept car. Click to enlarge. |
PSA Peugeot Citroën has introduced a new hybrid drive architecture—the HYmotion4 all-wheel drivetrain—which will be fitted on select mid-sized and executive Peugeot and Citroën models scheduled for market launch in 2011.
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on the Peugeot Prologue, Peugeot RC, Citroën Hypnos, and Citroën C4 WRC concept cars, the HYmotion4 uses a “through-the-road” design to provide hybrid all-wheel drive. The motor is mounted in either the rear or front of the vehicle, depending upon whether the vehicle is front- or rear-engined, respectively.
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Volvo Introduces Hybrid Version of 7700 Bus; Up to 30% Reduction in Fuel Consumption
September 25, 2008
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| The Volvo Hybrid 7700. Click to enlarge. |
Volvo has unveiled the hybrid version of its 7700 bus at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hanover, Germany. (Earlier post.) With up to 30% lower fuel consumption and cost-effective hybrid components from Volvo, bus operators can earn a payback on the extra cost in five to seven years, according to the company.
The 7700 Hybrid features a parallel hybrid system with the Volvo MD5 diesel engine and Integrated Starter Alternator Motor (I-SAM). The 4-cylinder, 4-stroke turbocharged and intercooled in-line diesel engine delivers 158 kW (212 hp) of power at 2,200 rpm and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque at 1,200 to 1,700 rpm. Continuous output from the I-SAM motor is 70 kW (94 hp), with 120 kW (161 hp) peak; continuous torque is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), with 800 Nm peak. A 600V, 4.8 kWh Li-ion battery pack is roof-mounted and water-cooled.
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Daimler to Showcase Alternative Drive Systems at the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles Show; Three Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Premieres
September 19, 2008
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| The Mercedes-Benz Econic BlueTec hybrid makes its debut at the Hanover show. Click to enlarge. |
Daimler AG is presenting 11 vehicles with alternative drive systems—including natural gas, hybrid-electric and fuel cell technologies—at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hanover (25 September - 2 October). (Earlier post.)
Mercedes-Benz will present three hybrid world premieres at the motor show, including the Axor BlueTec Hybrid truck, its first hybrid prototype for use in long-distance transport. For local transport applications, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the Econic with two hybrid variants: the Econic BlueTec Hybrid with diesel engine and the Econic NGT Hybrid, a concept with a natural-gas-powered engine.
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BMW to Introduce New Production Six-Cylinder Diesel, Euro6 Emission System and Mild Hybrid Concept at Paris Show
September 18, 2008
Among BMW’s introductions at the upcoming 2008 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris from 4–19 October will be a new straight-six 3.0-liter diesel applied in the new 7 Series and 3 Series; a new BluePerformance application that will bring diesel emissions to Euro 6 compliance; and a new gasoline-electric mild hybrid concept in the 7 Series, joining the already introduced two-mode BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid (earlier post).
BMW is also introducing EfficientDynamics systems in the new 7 Series (which is making is world debut at the Paris show) thereby bringing a range of technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration; on-demand management of ancillary units including the a/c compressor disconnected when not required; intelligent lightweight technology; active aerodynamics and tires with reduced rolling resistance to its top-end luxury sedan lineup. With new straight-six diesel and EfficientDynamics, the new 730d will offer average fuel consumption of 7.2 liters/100 kilometers (33 mpg US).
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Hyundai Introduces New 1.6-Liter Diesel
September 16, 2008
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| The 1.6-liter U2 diesel. Click to enlarge. |
The Powertrain R&D Center of Hyundai Motor Company has completed development of a new, more fuel efficient and cleaner diesel engine for compact passenger vehicles (C-segment and below). The 1.6-liter (1,582cc) U2 is an inline four-cylinder engine which utilizes a second-generation common rail diesel injection system and supports a fuel consumption rating of 4.7 L/100km (50 mpg US).
The first car to have the U2 engine installed will be the successor model of the Getz, the i20 sub-compact. The i20, due to be launched in Europe towards the end of 2008, will be produced at Hyundai Motor Co.’s Indian subsidiary in Chennai.
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Peugeot Sport Shows Hybrid 908 HDi FAP Demonstrator with KERS System
September 14, 2008
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| The 908 HY hybrid system has three core elements: (1) 60 kW motor-generator; (2) Li-ion battery pack; (3) power converter. Click to enlarge. |
Peugeot Sport used the final round of the 2008 Le Mans Series at Silverstone to unveil a hybrid 908 HDi FAP equipped with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS). The 908 HY will provide a preview of what Peugeot’s next endurance racing challenger could resemble, although its use will depend on the regulations that will govern LMP1 cars from 2009.
The 908 HDi is based on a 5.5-liter V12 diesel engine that produces more 515 kW (700 bhp) of power and a torque output greater than 1,200 Nm. The 908 HDi FAP made its race debut in 2007. The hybrid system featured on the 908 HY demonstrator comprises three key elements:
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Researchers Explore New Class of Second-Generation Biofuels for Diesel Engines: Cyclic Oxygenates
September 12, 2008
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| Smoke opacity versus cetane number plotted for various 9 wt% fuel oxygen blends at three different EGR levels. Click to enlarge. Credit: ACS |
Dutch researchers led by a team from Eindhoven University of Technology suggest that low-cetane C6 cyclic oxygenates—which could be derived from biomass—could perform well as cellulosic diesel blending fuels. A paper on their work was published online 10 September in the journal Energy & Fuels.
The heavy-duty diesel industry is facing a challenge in maintaining fuel economy while meeting more stringent emissions legislation (such as EPA 2010 and Euro 6), the team noted.
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Mercedes Launching New Four-Cylinder Diesel Family; First Application in the New C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition
September 10, 2008
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| The C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY |
Mercedes-Benz is introducing a new four-cylinder diesel engine generation starting this fall with a 2.2-liter version applied in the new limited-production C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition.
The engine delivers 150 kW (204 hp) of power and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, and accelerates the Prime Edition from 0 to 100 kph in 7.0 seconds, with a top speed of 250 kph (155 mph). Fuel consumption is an average of 5.2 L/100km NEDC (45 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km.
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Volvo Introduces C30, S40 and V50 1.6D DRIVe Models with Lower Fuel Consumption
September 09, 2008
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| Volvo’s 1.6D DRIVe models. |
At the upcoming Paris Motor Show in early October, Volvo Cars will introduce new diesel variants of the C30, S40 and V50 models with fuel consumption of 4.4 liters/100 km (53.5 mpg US) (C30) or 4.5 liters/100 km (52 mpg US) (S40 and V50). The corresponding CO2 figures of 115 and 118 g/km give the C30 and V50 best-in-class CO2 emissions in their segments. All three models are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and marked with the DRIVe emblem to signal their uprated environmental properties.
The DRIVe models are based on the Volvo C30 Efficiency concept car that was shown at the Frankfurt motor show in October 2007. (Earlier post.) The measures adopted to reduce CO2 emissions that were presented then will be in production before the end of the year in the C30, S40 and the V50.
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New Mazda 2.2L Diesel Features New DPF Technology
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| Mazda’s new diesel incorporates a new Mazda-developed base material in the DPF that increases the regeneration speed. Click to enlarge. |
Mazda Motor Corporation’s new 2.2-liter diesel, which will make its debut in the Kiyora concept (earlier post), features a Mazda-developed world-first catalyst activation mechanism that enhances the removal of particulate matter (soot) from the exhaust gases. (Earlier post.) The engine will be progressively introduced to markets around the world, beginning in Europe in 2009.
The MZR-CD 2.2 diesel engine has a displacement 10% greater than Mazda’s current MZR-CD 2.0-liter diesel, and delivers torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). Improved fuel injectors and a lower compression ratio contribute to its enhanced fuel efficiency.
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Volkswagen Unveils New Golf BlueMotion Concept; 62 mpg US, 99 g CO2/km
September 08, 2008
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| The Golf BlueMotion concept. |
Volkswagen unveiled the BlueMotion concept version of its coming new sixth-generation Golf. The Golf BlueMotion concept has combined European cycle fuel consumption of 3.8 L/100km (62 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km. This matches the economy of the Polo BlueMotion, itself among the most efficient conventional vehicles currently on sale. (Earlier post.)
The new Golf BlueMotion concept is powered by a 1.6-liter TDI common rail diesel engine developing 77 kW (104 hp) and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is 11.3 seconds; top speed its 117 mph. In common with every diesel model in the forthcoming new Golf range the BlueMotion concept is fitted with a diesel particulate filter.
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MHI and Wärtsilä Jointly to Develop Small-size Marine Diesel Engines
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Wärtsilä Corporation of Finland will jointly develop new small, low-speed marine diesel engines with cylinder bores of 350 and 400 millimeters (mm). Key benefits of the new engines will be compliance with IMO Tier II emissions regulations, low fuel consumption, a low cylinder oil feed rate, high reliability, and long times between overhauls.
They engines will also be able to provide optimum fits to ships in terms of power, propeller speed, dimensions, weight, and electrical power consumption, as well as being competitive in manufacturing costs.
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Delphi Launches Diesel Direct Acting Piezo Injection System; Lower Emissions and Fuel Consumption, More Power and Torque
September 06, 2008
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| Delphi Direct Acting Injector (DFI3) compared to a conventional servo-hydraulic injector. Click to enlarge. |
Delphi Corp. has launched the Delphi Direct Acting Common Rail system, its next generation of diesel fuel injection technology based on a new direct acting piezo injector, the DFI3 Piezo Injector. The new system is now entering production and will be available on a European production car to be launched later this year.
The DFI3 piezo injector needle is set in motion directly by a piezo ceramic actuator, rather than being moved via an electro-hydraulic circuit as with existing fuel injection technologies. This enables the injector to spray fuel into the combustion chamber faster and with much improved spray momentum and accuracy and provides extremely fast opening and closing of the needle valve, independent of injection pressure.
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Nissan Releases New Clean Diesel X-TRAIL 20GT in Japan
September 04, 2008
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| Nissan X-TRAIL 20GT. |
Nissan Motor Co. launched the new diesel X-TRAIL 20GT in Japan, first shown as a prototype earlier this year. (Earlier post.) The vehicle, which goes on sale 18 September, meets Japan’s stringent Post New Long-term Regulations.
Compared to the current Japan emissions regulations which went into effect in 2005, the Post New Long-Term Regulation reduces NOx by 47% to 0.08 g/km and PM by 64% to 0.005 g/km. CO and HC levels remain the same. The new regulations come into effect for new model vehicles in October 2009.
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MAN Introduces Euro 5 and EEV Diesels Without SCR, Hybrids
August 27, 2008
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| The MAN D08 CR engines meet Euro 5 and EEV limits without any SCR aftertreatment. Click to enlarge. |
At the 62nd IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany (25 September - 2 October), MAN Nutzfahrzeuge will premiere a range of new diesel engines with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) that meet Euro 5 and EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicles) standards without the use of urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) aftertreatment systems, as well as new hybrid models and numerous changes to its vehicles.
To achieve Euro 5 / EEV, the MAN engine designers use a Lambda-controlled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) with recirculation rates of 30% and higher; two-stage turbocharging with indirect intermediate and main intercooling; and common rail technology with high injection pressures of up to 1,800 bar.
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Unregulated Nanoparticles from Diesel Engines Inhibit Lung Function
August 20, 2008
A new University of Michigan simulation shows that carbonaceous nanoparticles emitted by diesel engines and other combustion sources can get trapped in the lungs and inhibit the function of lung surfactant—a fluid that facilitates breathing.
Lung surfactant contains protein and lipid molecules. It reduces surface tension in the lungs, prevents them from collapsing and helps transport foreign particles that will ultimately be expelled from the lungs. Inhaled carbon nanoparticles, however, appear to behave differently than most foreign particles. Computer simulations indicated that they wouldn’t be expelled, but would become trapped in the surfactant, entangled with fatty lipid molecules that wrapped their “tails” around the nanoparticles and into their central cavities.
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Daimler to Introduce New Diesel and Natural Gas Hybrids at International Commercial Vehicles Show
Among the more than 80 vehicles Daimler AG is bringing to the 2008 IAA International Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany (25 September to 2 October 2008) are seven hybrid-drive trucks, vans and buses, as well as new natural gas variants.
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Sainsbury’s Begins Food Delivery With Biomethane-Fueled Heavy-Duty Truck
August 18, 2008
Sainsbury’s is beginning daily food deliveries from its depot in Bristol (UK) to the supermarket’s new environmental store in Dartmouth—a 500 km (311 miles) round trip—using a Mercedes-Benz Axor truck fueled with biomethane produced from landfill gas.
The truck is retrofitted with UK-based Clean Air Power’s Genesis Dual-Fuel system, which enables heavy-duty diesel engines to operate primarily on natural gas, with diesel fuel acting as a “liquid spark plug”. (Earlier post.) Using biomethane from landfills can save up to 60% in CO2 emissions compared with diesel fuel, according to Sainsbury’s.
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Argonne Investigating Butanol/Diesel Blends in Light-Duty Vehicles
August 15, 2008
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| Steady-state NOx versus filter smoke number at 35 mph for ULSD, Bu20 and Bu40. Click to enlarge. |
Butanol can be used as a blending agent in diesel to displace petroleum and reduce emissions of particulate matter without significantly increasing NOx or significantly lowering the cetane number, according to the results of a preliminary study by researchers at Argonne National Laboratory.
With properties superior to that of ethanol, butanol (C4H9OH) is generally being considered as a gasoline blend component. Test results presented by BP and DuPont at SAE World Congress 2007 showed that bio-derived 1-butanol (also called n-butanol) performs similarly to unleaded gasoline on key parameters, and that biobutanol formulations meet key characteristics of a “good” spark ignition fuel, including high energy density, controlled volatility, sufficient octane and low levels of impurities. (Earlier post.)
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Changing World Technologies Files for IPO; Planned Expansion to 54M Gallons of Renewable Diesel Fuel Oil per Year
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| The basic Thermal Conversion Process. Click to enlarge. |
Changing World Technologies (CWT), developer of a non-combustion thermolytic deploymerization process for the conversion of organic waste into renewable diesel fuel oil and fertilizers (Thermal Conversion Process, TCP), has filed an S1 registration statement with the SEC for an IPO.
CWT currently operates a TCP production facility in Carthage, Missouri, that has the capacity to convert 78,000 tons of animal and food processing waste into approximately 4 - 9 million gallons of renewable diesel oil per year, depending on the feedstock mix used. The produced renewable diesel can be run as a straight, unblended low-sulfur fuel oil and has been EPA-approved as an additive in diesel fuel; full use as a transportation fuel will require upgrading.
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Alcohol Boosting Enables Significant Downsizing of Heavy-Duty Diesels to Smaller Gasoline Engines
August 09, 2008
Using a direct-injected alcohol fuel as a second, boosting fuel can allow a turbo-charged, high-compression ratio spark-ignited gasoline engine to replace larger diesels in certain heavy-duty applications, according to work being done by Ethanol Boosting Systems, LLC (EBS), a spin-off from MIT. (Earlier post.)
A study by EBS supported by Volvo Powertrain North America found that for a given engine size, an alcohol-boosted gasoline engine (spark-ignited, SI) could operate with about twice the torque and at higher horsepower than a baseline diesel. In a study presented at the DEER (Diesel Engine-Efficiency and Emissions Research) conference last week, EBS simulated a scaled, downsized 7-liter alcohol-boosted SI engine operating at a 14:1 compression ratio and found that it exhibited higher predicted efficiency than the baseline 11-liter diesel engine when operating over the boosted operating points.
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Concept: Zajac Motors Proposes Split-Cycle Engine with Separate Combustion Chamber; 15% Improvement on Diesel Fuel Economy
August 05, 2008
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| Basic elements of the Zajac engine. Click to enlarge. |
Zajac Motors is developing a split-cycle engine concept that significantly prolongs fuel burn time through the use of a combustion chamber external to the compression and expansion piston chambers. John Zajac, who presented a poster session on his concept at the Diesel Engine-Efficiency and Emissions Research (DEER) conference this week in Dearborn, Michigan, claims that his engine will deliver 15% better fuel economy than a diesel, run on any liquid fuel, and be essentially non-polluting.
The Zajac engine uses new head parts that are compatible with a standard diesel engine block. The in-block cylinders are split into compression and expansion roles, and connected by an external “hot wall” combustion chamber. The engine presumes the use of new rotary valves, also developed by Zajac. The combustion chamber, valves, and control systems are the core of Zajac’s IP.
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BorgWarner Develops Hybrid Low- and High-Pressure EGR System for Low Engine-Out NOx
August 04, 2008
BorgWarner has developed a multi-loop hybrid (low- and high-pressure, LP and HP) EGR system targeted at meeting US Tier 2 Bin 5, Euro 6 and future emissions standards without the need for NOx aftertreatment, thereby keeping down the cost of diesel systems. Robert Czarnowski from BorgWarner presented the work at the 2008 Diesel Engine-Engine Efficiency and Emissions Research (DEER) conference in Dearborn, Michigan (4-7 August).
Meeting NOx standards through the reduction of engine-out emissions is of increasing interest to OEMs, who are faced, on the one hand, with higher system costs to meet advanced emissions requirements as well as rising prices for diesel fuel. On the other hand, they are competing with ongoing improvements in spark-injected engine efficiency combined with hybridization. Czarnowski said that one European OEM has told him diesel in Europe had reached its peak because of the combination of those competitive issues and the related costs.
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Ford of Europe Introduces Fiesta ECOnetic; 63.6 mpg US
July 22, 2008
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| The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic. |
Ford of Europe introduced the Fiesta ECOnetic—the most fuel-efficient model in the European range—at the British International Motor Show in London.
Powered by a specially-calibrated version of the 90 PS (66 kW, 89 hp) 1.6-liter Duratorq TDCi, combined with coated Diesel Particulate Filter, the Fiesta ECOnetic offers fuel consumption of 3.7 L/100km (63.6 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 98 g/km. Extra-urban highway fuel consumption is 3.2 L/100km (73.5 mpg US). The Fiesta ECOnetic accelerates from 0-100 kph in 12.3 seconds and has a top speed of 178 kph (111 mph).
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BMW 3 Series Refresh Brings New 3.0L Diesel, Optional Euro 6 Compliance
July 12, 2008
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| BMW 6-cylinder diesel engine with aluminum crankcase and 1,800 bar piezo-injection. Click to enlarge. |
With its refresh of the 3 Series, BMW has introduced a newly developed in-line 6-cylinder diesel. The engine of the new BMW 330d delivers an output of 180 kW (245 bhp), 10 kW more than its predecessor, and a 7% reduction in fuel consumption. Maximum torque of 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) is available from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm.
The 330d also offers the option of BMW BluePerformance technology—with no impact on output and fuel consumption—to meet the Euro 6 emissions requirements which will not come into force until 2014.
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Preem, Södra and Sveaskog to Partner to Produce Tall Oil Renewable Diesel
July 07, 2008
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| SunPine’s tall oil process produces either crude tall diesel for hydroprocessing at a refinery or standard biodiesel. Click to enlarge. |
Preem, Södra and Sveaskog have signed an agreement to acquire approximately 60% of the shares of SunPine AB, a company building a production plant in Piteå, Sweden to convert crude tall oil (CTO) either to “crude tall diesel” for subsequent hydroprocessing at a refinery into a renewable diesel component or, via purification, into standard EN14214 biodiesel. (Earlier post.)
SunPine is investing SEK 250 million (US$41.8 million) in the plant in Piteå, which is due to start production during the last quarter of 2009.
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Syntroleum-Tyson Synfuel JV Receives Final Approval For $100M Bond Package
June 22, 2008
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| Dynamic Fuels will initially use Syntroleum’s Bio-Synfining technology (Step 3 in the diagram) produce bio-hydrocarbon fuels from oils, fats and greases. Click to enlarge. Source: Syntroleum. |
Dynamic Fuels LLC, the renewable synthetic fuels 50:50 joint venture between Syntroleum Corporation and Tyson Foods (earlier post), has received final approval from the Louisiana State Bond Commission for $100 million in tax exempt Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) Bonds to fund the building of the company’s first renewable synthetic fuels facility in Geismar, Louisiana.
Dynamic Fuels will initially use the Syntroleum “Bio-Synfining” process—a biomass-optimized third-stage of Syntroleum’s full Fischer-Tropsch-based synthetic fuels process—to produce renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel. Bio-Synfining in essence treats fats, greases and vegetables oils as a Fischer-Tropsch wax, and upgrades them to renewable diesel (R-2) and renewable jet fuel (R-8).