“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,” said Frank Bio, director of marketing for Volvo Power. “Because of this integration, we have optimized the engine configuration for our vehicles.”
While working with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology, Volvo has retained its existing engine platform without the need for after treatment by developing V-Pulse. The system uses pressure pulses created by the exhaust valves. Then it re-circulates up to 30% of the exhaust through the V-Pulse cooler and back into the inlet. By utilizing high-pressure, modulating unit injectors, Volvo says very clean and efficient combustion is achieved.
Bio said that unlike Volvo’s competitors, the manufacturer is able to optimize both the engine and chassis and will not have to make a dramatic change to meet the current ‘02 requirements and guidelines. Volvo engines have the right displacement and features to meet the planned standards without compromising design, weight or customer satisfaction, Bio said.
“Our position as a fully integrated manufacturer has allowed us to go beyond simply meeting emissions standards requirements,” Bio said. “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 said the simplicity of V-Pulse will make the trucks easier to maintain, controlling cost over the life of the vehicle. By avoiding solutions that involve more expensive turbocharger-related technologies, he said V-Pulse can be serviced using minimal changes in maintenance procedures and technical education.