Taking a simpler approach to meeting the Oct. ‘02 federal emission requirements, Volvo Trucks North America introduced its V-Pulse cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) technology at the Mid-America Trucking Show. The system will be used to certify the Volvo 12-liter diesel for the North American market.
Unlike cooled-EGR systems developed by other engine makers, V-Pulse does not require a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to force exhaust gas back into an intake mixing chamber.Instead, the Volvo system captures cylinder pressure spikes through exhaust valve control to mix some exhaust gas with fresh air from the engine's charge air cooler.
Eliminating the VGT reduces complexity, cost and weight, according to Volvo officials. Estimates are that the new emissions system will add less than $3,000 to the price of a truck equipped with the Volvo 12L engine.
During a press conference at Mid-America, the company said it had begun field tests and expect shortly to apply for emissions certification from EPA.
