Cummins Outlines Rail Emissions Strategy
March 26, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS
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Cummins developed four low-emissions technological approaches to help European rail companies - both operators and manufacturers - meet more stringent engine emissions standards.
The four approaches include:
Electronic controls.
Engine systems must be electronically controlled to meet emissions standards. More stringent emissions regulations require precise control of engine fuel, air-handling and after-treatment systems. Environmental factors also need to be monitored to ensure that both engine power and emissions levels remain as specified.
Cummins Tier 2- and Tier 3/Stage IIIA-compliant engines feature higher-speed-processing control modules and sensors that measure engine performance quickly and accurately.
Fuel systems.
Many injection characteristics must be balanced and tuned with other engine subsystems (base engine, air-handling, after-treatment and controls). Electronic fuel systems are standard on most Tier 3/Stage IIIA solutions and will be required for Tier4/Stage IV.
Cummins modular common rail fuel system (MCRS) provides improvements in idle stability, cold-start and response to transient load changes while maintaining power densities comparable to Tier 1 products. Its solenoid-controlled, electronically actuated injectors deliver fuel at 16,000 bar (23,000 pound-force per square inch [lbf/in2]).
Advanced combustion.
Elements of base engine design that optimize combustion involve the power cylinder, air-handling, fuel and control systems. Cummins developed combustion systems that reduce engine-out emissions inside the combustion chamber. The combustion system design process uses computer simulation of the combustion process, allowing engineers to study the effects of changes to fuel injection system parameters and combustion chamber geometry.
High-durability ferrous cast ductile (FCD) pistons.
Cummins Tier 2- and Stage IIIA-compliant rail diesel engines are equipped with ductile, cast-iron FCD pistons for durability. FCD pistons are stronger than aluminum at high-cylinder temperatures and consume low amounts of oil.
Source: Cummins Every Time.