Clean diesel

Ricardo is working on an advanced research project to demonstrate an advanced diesel technology capable of achieving US Super Ultra-Low Emission (SULEV) and Tier II Bin 2 requirements. SULEV vehicles are conventionally powered or gas-electric hybrid vehicles designed to produce minimal air pollution, typically less than 10% of that of an equivalent ordinary vehicle.

According to Ricardo, the objective of this program is to remove the diesel combustion engine from the environmental debate on regulated emissions – allowing advanced diesel engines to take their place alongside gasoline hybrid and fuel cell powered vehicles in the future of environmentally friendly automotive products. Ricardo will undertake the work with a global manufacturer.

Started in late 2005, early project focus has been on developing technologies to deliver engine-out exhaust emissions (without NOx after treatment) that achieve stringent Tier II Bin 5 emission requirements, delivering NOx levels approximately one-sixth those currently proposed for Euro 5. These technologies include advanced air handling systems, two-stage boosting, advanced exhaust gas recirculation and application of closed-loop cylinder pressure-based engine controls.