V-ACT is on the way Construction machinery engines
2004-03-29
Volvo hasn’t so much lifted the wraps off its V-ACT engine technology as allowed a tantalizing peek under the covers. Not due in service until the new Tier-3 (US) and Step 3 (EU) emission legislation start to come into force in January 2005 (US) and in 2006 (EU), Volvo is heralding the arrival of its new V-ACT generation engine technology with much excitement.
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Standing for Volvo Advanced Combustion Technology, V-ACT will combine the benefits of simple and reliable technology to a proven base engine. The benefits of the future heavy-duty engine range are that it will not only exceed the requirements of the forthcoming emissions legislation but also improves engine response at low engine speeds – while keeping optimal fuel efficiency. Because V-ACT allows power and torque to be available over a broader engine speed range, Volvo will be able to even better tailor the power characteristics to the specific application needs of its equipment.
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While much of the details of the new technology still remain secret, Volvo has announced that V-ACT does not use external after-treatment or EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). The system also does not use variable geometry turbochargers, opting instead for simple fixed geometry turbos. “We are keeping it simple and not adding unnecessary complexity. That is our strength against other solutions,” says Karl Tasik, Chief Project Manager, Engine Product Development at Volvo.
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It’s
all a far cry from when Volvo made steam engines in the 19th Century. The
first
V-ACT engines will feature high-pressure fuel injectors and Volvo’s
latest engine management system (EMS). The dual solenoid controlled
injectors and optimized air-handling deliver the right amount of fuel at
the right instant. These are dictated by the EMS, which connects the
engine electronic control unit to other electronic controls on the
machine. This helps to govern engine/machine optimization consistently.
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The first V-ACT engine – the D12 – will be introduced in January 2005. Working models are currently in the field undergoing intensive testing ahead of its official launch date. More details will be released in the coming months on Volvo’s V-ACT solution to the conundrum of how to provide outstanding performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions.
