Smart Power from Cummins
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by John Kendall • Cummins has launched a range of new technologies in the UK including its Electronic Smart Power (ESP) variable torque system and a new natural gas engine. The company has also signed a joint supply agreement with engine brake supplierJacobs.
The ESP system will initially be optional on the M11 M305E Euro-2 11-litre engine. The basis of ESP is Cummins' Celect Plus electronic engine management system, so it could also be applied to the N-Series 14-litre engines.
Cummins has decided to offer ESP on the M305E as the company believes it will provide the greatest benefits to 32-tonne distribution operations such as supermarkets.
In standard form the M305ESP produces 301hp (225kW) at 1,900rpm and 1,0691bft (1,450Nm) of torque at 1,200rpm. However, torque can be boosted to 1,2541bft (1,700Nm) for hill climbing. The Celect Plus software settings determine the Mll's power and torque output—there is no other mechanical difference between the M305E, M340E and M380E. When Celect Plus activates ESP, the control module simply switches over from the M305E torque curve to the M340E torque curve. The result is a 300hp engine offering the torque of a 340hp engine for The system works by continuously monitoring road speed. From this it decides on the vehicle's 'learnt' speed, generally the driver's chosen speed for that section of the journey. If this drops by a pre-determined amount ESP can be activated. The operator can programme Celect Plus with the desired reduction in speed. Two further conditions must be satisfied before ESP will operate: the engine must be under full throttle and one of the top two whole gears must be selected.
ESP will operate with the speed limiter, cruise control or accelerator pedal.
Impressions
Driving a Foden 4300 with tandem-axle trailer loaded to 32 tonnes GCW showed how seamlessly ESP works in practice. On an undulating section of the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh we accelerated up to 80km/h (50mph) with the cruise control engaged before tackling a gradual incline. ESP was set to cut in when the speed had dropped by 3mph.
As the speed fell the only clue that torque had been boosted was a change in the turbocharger note as the road speed stopped falling.
As we reached the crest of the hill and engine load decreased the lower torque rating resumed.
ESP meant that we could avoid changing down a split or a whole gear. Cummins claims that ESP has reduced fuel consumption by up to 3% among US operators who have been using it for two years. The savings are said to come from reduced gearchanges, enabling the vehicle to stay in higher gears for longer.
0 Cummins is also extending its compressed natural gas (CNG) engine ranges. By mid1996 the B-Series CNG engine will be joined by the 252hp (188kW) 8.3-litre C-Series. At the same time the L10 range of 240hp and 260hp 10-litre gas engines will be joined by 276hp and 296hp models. Cummins hopes that the forthcoming Budget will favour gas engines. CD Following the deal with Jacobs, Cummins will phase out production of its C-Brake engine brake which will be replaced by a new Jacobs product to be known as the "C-Brake by Jacobs". It will be offered on 14 litre N-Series engines and the 11-litre M11. The smaller B and C-Series engines will be offered with a Jacobs exhaust brake designated the "Cummins Extarder by Jacobs" which will be based on current Jacobs Extarder models.