Volvo Trucks North America Inc. has come up with a way to meet the federally mandated diesel emissions standards scheduled to take effect in October 2002. The solution, dubbed V-Pulse, will be used in all Volvo trucks equipped with Volvo-brand engines that are ordered beginning in the fourth quarter of 2002.
“As one of the only truly integrated truck manufacturers, we have successfully leveraged our years of experience building advanced technology engines and vehicles to meet the emissions standards requirements,” says Frank Bio, director of marketing-Volvo Power.
He says that because of this integration, Volvo engines have the right displacement and features to meet the planned standards without compromising design, weight or customer satisfaction — and without having to make any “dramatic change.”
While working with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), Volvo was able to retain its existing engine platform without the need for after treatment by developing V-Pulse.
As Bio explains it, the new system uses pressure “pulses” created by the exhaust valves. It then recirculates up to 30% of the exhaust through the V-Pulse cooler and back into the inlet. By utilizing high-pressure modulating unit injectors, he says “very clean and efficient combustion is achieved.”
“Our position as a fully integrated manufacturer has allowed us to go beyond simply meeting emissions standards requirements,” Bio says. “With V-Pulse we have devised a solution that not only runs cleaner, but is also simpler to maintain while optimizing fuel economy, performance and maintenance costs over the life of the engine.”
Bio says the simplicity of V-Pulse will make trucks so equipped easier to maintain, thereby controlling cost over the life of the vehicle. And since V-Pulse doesn't involve more expensive turbocharger-related technologies, engines will be serviced with “minimal” changes in maintenance procedures.
V-Pulse will be supported by Volvo's PRISM program, which provides drivers, managers and technicians with electronically integrated diagnostic and repair support.
Go to www.volvotrucks.com.
