Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/378880
NUTS & BOLTS continued from page 21 Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced the devel- opment of an engine and powertrain that reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 80 percent compared with a baseline gasoline- powered medium-duty truck. e work was jointly funded by Cummins in partnership with theCalifornia Energy Commission (CEC). CO2 is the primary greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted through human activi- ties, accounting for the vast majority of GHG emissions in the United States. More than 1,000 miles and 1,500 hours have been accumulated on the ETHOS 2.8L engine over the past two-and-a-half years, demon- strating that this technology is capable of far exceeding the 50 percent CO2 emissions reduc- tions outlined in the project's goals. A fi nal on-road valida- tion testing phase has been underway in theSacramento, California, area since June and continuing into this month, and is being managed by Cummins Pacifi c, the exclu- sive California and Hawaii distributor for Cummins Inc. " e Cummins ETHOS engine, developed through a research partnership with CEC, clearly demonstrates that by combining innova- tive engine design and combustion approaches with low-carbon alternative fuels, we can determine a path to signifi cant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions," said Wayne Eckerle, Cummins Vice President - Research and Technology. "Cummins produces industry-leading emissions- controls technologies and products, and we continue to explore new ways to make our company stronger and our customers more successful, while reducing our environ- mental footprint. We are very appreciative of the CEC's funding participation in this important eff ort." e Cummins ETHOS 2.8L is designed specif- ically to use E-85, a clean-burning blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. To take full advan- tage of the favorable combustion attributes and potential of E-85, the engine operates at diesel-like cylinder pressures and incorpo- rates advanced spark- ignition technology. It delivers the power (up to 250 hp) and peak torque (up to 450 lb- ) of gasoline and diesel engines nearly twice its 2.8-liter displacement. e Cummins ETHOS 2.8L engine also incorpo- rates an integrated stop- start system, which further reduces fuel consumption and emissions. In stop-start mode, the engine shuts down a er the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the brake pedal remains depressed. As the driver's foot is li ed from the brake, the system automat- ically starts the engine to seamlessly allow acceleration from the stop. Cummins-integrated specifi c system controls, along with a robust starter, smart alternator and sensors, are all designed to handle the additional stop-start duty cycle and maintain reliable opera- tion over the life of the engine. Cummins also worked closely with Allison Transmission® to integrate the 2000 Series transmission for smooth and effi cient stop-start operation. e transmission is equipped with hydraulic circulation features to ensure smooth operation and quick vehicle launch during stop-start driving. Additional partners in the project included Valvoline,® which provided NextGen® engine oils specifi - cally designed for lower CO2 emissions, and Freightliner Custom Chassis, which provided a prototype MT45 Class 5 step-van vehicle. Using corn-derived E-85, the high thermal effi ciency and power-to-weight ratio of this engine results in 50 to 58 percent lower well-to-wheels CO2 emissions compared with the gasoline engine baseline. Using second-generation lignocellulosic-derived E-85, the powertrain's effi ciency features deliver an impres- sive 75 to 80 percent lower well-to-wheels CO2 emissions, depending on the drive cycle. Cellulosic E-85 is less intensive in terms of land use, tilling, fertilizing and harvesting than corn-derived E-85. Although not in high- volume production today, cellulosic ethanol represents a promising production pathway for future fuels. is demonstrates that signifi cant reductions in GHG emissions can be achieved with current commercially available E-85 fuels, with even greater potential in the future when cellulosic ethanol technology matures and becomes mainstream. ● cummins.com, july Cummins ETHOS 2.8L Engine Demonstrates 50 to 80 Percent Reduction in Carbon Dioxide Emissions Nuts and Bolts continued on page 29 I DA U N I V E R S A L S e p te m b e r - O c to b e r 2 0 1 4 23