Ricardo Developing World-Leading, Low CO(2) SULEV Diesel Engine Technology
VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Aug. 17 / -- Ricardo announced today that the company is working on an advanced research project -- in collaboration with a global manufacturer -- to demonstrate an advanced diesel technology capable of achieving U.S. Super Ultra-Low Emission (SULEV) and Tier II Bin 2 requirements.
The objective of this program is to remove the diesel combustion engine from the environmental debate on regulated emissions -- allowing advanced diesel engines to take their place alongside gasoline hybrid and fuel cell powered vehicles in the future of environmentally friendly automotive products.
Started in late 2005, early project focus has been on developing technologies to deliver engine-out exhaust emissions (without NOx aftertreatment) that achieve stringent Tier II Bin 5 emission requirements, delivering NOx levels approximately one-sixth those currently proposed for Euro 5. These technologies include advanced air handling systems, two-stage boosting, advanced exhaust gas recirculation and application of closed-loop cylinder pressure-based engine controls.
In parallel, work is being carried out to develop an advanced exhaust aftertreatment system. Combining advanced aftertreatment with engine optimization will allow demonstration of a system capable of meeting the requirements of U.S. SULEV / Tier II Bin 2, thereby achieving NOx levels less than one-tenth of currently proposed Euro 5 levels.
Throughout the project, a major emphasis has been placed on achieving low emissions under transient conditions to maintain or improve the "fun to drive" responsiveness of the engine without deteriorating emissions performance. The engine is being developed with a competitive power rating of 65kW/l to meet U.S. emissions regulations for both sea level and altitude compliance.
These advanced diesel technologies will be integrated into a vehicle capable of meeting the lowest current worldwide exhaust emissions standard (SULEV, Tier II Bin 2) without compromising customer appeal, while maintaining significant fuel efficiency (therefore CO(2)) advantage over current U.S. equivalent gasoline products.
Also, by applying a systems engineering approach, combining engine-out optimization with advanced aftertreatment, a highly cost effective solution is expected.
This program illustrates Ricardo's commitment to innovation and leadership in development and application of advanced technologies that improve both industry performance and the global environment.
With its North American headquarters in Van Buren Twp., Mich., Ricardo -- a world-leading vehicle system and powertrain technology provider for automotive manufacturers, heavy-duty manufacturers and tier one suppliers -- has been providing value through innovation and technology for 100 years.
Ricardo is the premium global deep-content engineering and management consulting partner for automotive, commercial vehicle and related industry sectors. The company provides complete engineering services from strategy through product concept, design release and validation, and all phases of the product lifecycle. Ricardo technical expertise lies in powertrain and driveline, vehicle engineering, hybrid and fuel cell technologies, controls and electronics, niche volume manufacturing and advanced simulation software.
Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge. A public company based in the U.K., Ricardo plc posted sales of $272 million in fiscal year 2005 and is a part of the FTSE techMark 100 index -- a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com.
Source: Ricardo
CONTACT:
Jessica Killenberg,
Bianchi PR
Tel:+1-248-269-1122
jkillenberg@bianchipr.com
Leslie Dagg,
Bianchi PR
Tel:+1-248-269-1122
ldagg@bianchipr.com
Web site: www.ricardo.com/
