Diesel Engine Efficiency and Emissions Improvement Via Piston Temperature Control

Diesel engine manufacturers need a way to improve fuel economy as well as limit NOx and particulate emissions to meet upcoming federal, state, and global regulations. A large percentage of emissions and fuel consumption occurs during cold start and light to medium load operation. EMA proposes to develop a method to increase combustion chamber temperature during warm-up, light, and medium loads that will reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. EMA estimates a 2% to 5% improvement in engine efficiency with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions when this innovation is used on turbo-compound Diesel engines and half this when used on turbocharged Diesel engines with an estimated payback period of less than 3 months for a typical class 8 (on highway) truck. Up to 27% reduction is exhaust particulates is estimated. A doubling of engine oil life has been seen in early stage observations. A reduction in tail pipe NOx of 10% to 25% is also estimated. Global Diesel engine sales exceed 12,000,000 units per year.§EMA plans to perform experimentation and analysis that will show the emissions and efficiency improvement of this innovation. This research will further the knowledge of combustion at elevated temperatures.