Rudolf Diesel's invention of the diesel engine more than a century ago was a major milestone in the replacement of the steam engine. Since then, diesel engine technology has advanced significantly, with Caterpillar, Cummins and other leading manufacturers making progress in refining the traditional diesel engine. This progress has enabled commercial transport over greater distances and has made heavy diesel engines more powerful and efficient. Here are some of the most important innovations in diesel engine technology today.
SuperTruck II Equipment
- The Department of Energy (DOE) reported that Cummins SuperTruck II equipment achieved a braking thermal efficiency of 55 percent, which is unprecedented for a heavy diesel engine.This level of progress gives an idea of what is possible for future diesel technology.
High-Pressure Common Rail Fuel Injection
- High-pressure common rail fuel injection is a system that injects fuel into the combustion chamber at very high pressures. This helps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It also helps to reduce noise levels and improve engine performance.Variable Geometry Turbochargers
- Variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs) are designed to improve engine performance by controlling the amount of air that is drawn into the engine. This helps to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.Exhaust Gas Recirculation
- Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a system that recirculates some of the exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber.This helps to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
Cylinder Deactivation
- Cylinder deactivation is a system that shuts down some of the cylinders when they are not needed. This helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.Advanced Combustion Systems
- Advanced combustion systems are designed to improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions. These systems use higher injection pressures, improved fuel atomization, and optimized combustion chamber designs.Aftertreatment Systems
- Aftertreatment systems are designed to reduce emissions from diesel engines. These systems use catalytic converters, particulate filters, and other technologies to reduce emissions. These are just seven examples of innovation around and within the diesel engine that are being produced today.If past achievements serve to measure future success, the diesel engine is prepared to continue offering products and benefits for decades to come. All of this will help make heavy diesel engines even more powerful and efficient, as diesel innovators work to overcome the tough competition faced by manufacturers of electric motors and batteries.
