Cummins delays compound launch
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Cummins has postponed the launch of a turbo-compound version of its 10-litre L10 engine "indefinitely" due to the continuing recession in the worldwide truck market.
Its US debut was planned for this year (CM 3-9 January).
But Roger Hapka, director of heavy duty planning at the company's Columbus, Indiana headquarters, says: 'With the current market conditions we really wouldn't be able to justify the launch right now.
"We need a bigger market to justify the numbers," he says.
The engine makes use of CELECT, Cummins' electronic engine management system first unveiled on the E465 seen at the 1990 Birmingham Motor Show, It is now available on most 10 and 14-litre Cummins engines in the US, but will not reach European markets until 1992.
As well as the shrinking US market Cummins is having to cope with its own declining share, down to 40.7% for the first four months of this year from a 1990 average of 45.7%. The decline is being attributed to Detroit Diesel's return to the marketplace with its Series 60.
L10 turbo-compound field trials will continue in the US to build up operational experience but research capacity within the Columbus development laboratory has been turned over to development of the compressed natural gas (CNG) technology which is now being applied to all engines in the range.
In a turbo-compound engine waste heat energy in the exhaust gas leaving the turbo charger is captured by a second turbine geared directly to the flywheel. This feeds extra torque to the gearbox.
The system needs a sophisticated clutch mechanism to disengage drive and reduce drag in overrun. It is of most use on engines running at higher and more constant speeds, for example on long US Interstates which tend to have few hills and therefore require little gearchanging.
Late last year Scania became the first manufacturer to launch a turbo-compound engine. Its 11-litre, straight-six engine is rated at 299kW (400hp).
Cummins remains tight-lipped over the power and torque outputs of its experimental unit, but it is expected to develop around 280kW (375hp).