Diesel project aims for ultra-low emissions

Advanced research programme aims to remove the diesel combustion engine from the environmental debate on regulated emissions.

Ricardo is working on an advanced research project - in collaboration with a global manufacturer - to demonstrate an advanced diesel technology capable of achieving US Super Ultra-Low Emission (SULEV) and Tier II Bin 2 requirements.

The objective of this programme 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 optimisation will allow demonstration of a system capable of meeting the requirements of US 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 US 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 CO2) advantage over current US equivalent gasoline products.

Also, by applying a systems engineering approach, combining engine-out optimisation with advanced aftertreatment, a highly cost effective solution is expected.

This programme illustrates Ricardo's commitment to innovation and leadership in development and application of advanced technologies that improve both industry performance and the global environment.

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