SwRI Benchmarking Program Evaluates Four 2007 Model Year Diesel Engines

Business Wire, July 19, 2007

SAN ANTONIO -- Southwest Research Institute is evaluating four new engines for the Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Benchmarking program, focusing on the engine performance and fuel consumption associated with new exhaust emissions control technology. Manufacturers developed this new control technology, which uses the ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel now available nationwide, to meet 2007 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions regulations.

SwRI is benchmarking a light heavy-duty Cummins ISB diesel engine from a Dodge Ram pickup truck plus three heavy heavy-duty diesel engines: the Caterpillar C15, Cummins ISX and Volvo D13. Additional engines of interest may be added later in the year. The program already includes data from 10 previously benchmarked heavy-duty diesel engines.

"Diesel engine manufacturers are responding to the new EPA regulations by incorporating new exhaust aftertreatment systems that require ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel," said Mike Ross, a program manager in the Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Division. "These engines are expected to be quite different from their predecessors that met 2004 EPA regulations. It will be interesting to see how each OEM (original engine manufacturer) has addressed the fuel economy issue.

"We are looking at these engines because they represent a new level of emissions control technology. Currently, engine manufacturers individually perform competitive engine benchmarking. SwRI's program offers a cost-effective method for obtaining reliable data by pooling resources. We are a leader in the field of diesel engine benchmarking and technology development. SwRI also manages the Clean Diesel Consortium, which focuses on developing new diesel technologies. Clean Diesel V launches this November."

The data sets for these engines will include a 200-point steady-state map of performance, injection timing, heat rejection, gaseous emissions and smoke; 22 points will include high-speed cylinder pressure, heat release and particulate data; European Stationary Cycle (ESC) and U.S. FTP transient testing; constant-speed step load transient response tests; engine teardown; and cylinder head flowbench evaluations.

Subscribers may contract with SwRI on an individual basis to expand the scope of the program for additional measurements and evaluations.

As an independent, multidisciplinary research and development organization, SwRI provides an unbiased, third-party perspective. The SwRI Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Division achieved certification to ISO 9001, an internationally recognized quality standard, and ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems.

For more information or to subscribe, visit the SwRI website at benchmarking.swri.org or contact Michael Ross at 210-522-2690 or mross@swri.org. For more information about Clean Diesel V, visit cleandiesel.swri.org or contact Dr. Thomas Ryan at 210-522-3192 or tryan@swri.org.

SwRI is an independent, nonprofit, applied research and development organization based in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 3,000 employees and an annual research volume of more than $455 million. Southwest Research Institute and SwRI are registered marks in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. For more information about Southwest Research Institute, please visit newsroom.swri.org or www.swri.org.