High Efficiency Combustion System at 2011 SAE World Congress

FEV, Inc., (FEV) a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, announced today that it will exhibit its High Efficiency Combustion System (HECS) engine at the 2011 SAE World Congress, held April 12 – 14 at Cobo Center in Detroit. The HECS incorporates unique and traditional technologies to achieve low CO2 emissions and a 17 percent reduction in fuel consumption, while also meeting Euro 6 emission standards.

The second generation HECS has been adapted to a downsized 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine, and is designed specifically for a high specific power output of over 100 kW/L. To achieve this output, FEV engineers designed a 200 bar peak pressure cylinder head with variable valve lift. The variable valve lift is accomplished through the use of a unique roller finger follower that is adjustable for two different lifts. Combined with variable valve lift is a unique seat-swirl chamfer that FEV has engineered into the system. Both modifications increase swirl, contributing to greatly improved combustion.

Also key to engine performance is thermal management, which is accomplished in a number of ways. The HECS concept incorporates split cooling, and an air gap insulated exhaust gas manifold, which generally contributes to improved aftertreatment functionality, and especially during cold start to achieve early catalyst light-off. A dual-wall exhaust also reduces heat loss in order to accelerate catalyst light-off during cold starts.

Cam phasers have been incorporated to enhance performance, as well as high and low pressure EGR.

The cylinder head has been incorporated into a demonstration vehicle that is targeted to achieve ultra-low CO2 emissions as well as the lowest possible fuel consumption. The first phase of the project was directed at development of the combustion system. Future development phases for the HECS demonstration vehicle include optimization of the engine’s mechanical components/accessories, hybridization/electrification of the powertrain, and vehicle improvements (drag/rolling resistance/weight).

About FEV

The FEV Group is an internationally recognized powertrain and vehicle engineering company that supplies the global transportation industry. FEV offers a complete range of engineering services, providing support across the globe to customers in the design, analysis, prototyping, powertrain and transmission development, as well as vehicle integration, calibration and homologation for advanced internal combustion gasoline-, diesel-, and alternative-fueled powertrains. FEV also designs, develops and prototypes advanced vehicle / powertrain electronic control systems and hybrid-electric engine concepts that address future emission and fuel economy standards. The FEV Test Systems division is a global supplier of advanced test cell, instrumentation and test equipment. The FEV Group employs a staff of over 1,800 highly skilled specialists at advanced technical centers on three continents. FEV, Inc. employs approximately 350 personnel at FEV’s North American Technical Center in Auburn Hills, MI.