Cummins looks to the future with Stage V vision

25th January 2016 By: Natasha Odendaal - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

As the European Union’s (EU’s) 2019 emission regulations loom, engine manufacturer Cummins is gearing up for the Stage V vision with next-generation engines that “redefine” engine performance.

Cummins planned to unveil ultra-clean 3.8 ℓ to 9 ℓ platforms for construction, mining and materials handling equipment, as well a full line-up of aftertreatment, to meet Stage V, at trade show bauma 2016, to be held in Munich, Germany, in April.

The European Commission, late in 2014, proposed measures to further reduce emissions from engines and introduced the Stage V concept with more stringent emission targets set for the future.

However, Cummins’ vision for Stage V aimed to “go beyond” meeting near-zero emissions to deliver up to 10% higher power and torque, as well lower maintenance and advanced telematics capability, across a broad 55 kW to 300 kW output range.

The engines were expected to be integrated with subsidiary Cummins Emission Solution’s newly developed Single Module exhaust aftertreatment for midrange engine customers looking to meet Stage V emissions regulations.

The new innovation was expected to provide up to 30% reduction in weight and up to 50% reduction in size compared with existing Stage IV and Tier 4 Final aftertreatment systems.

“The efficient packaging of the Single Module is achieved in conjunction with ultraclean performance that removes 99% of particulate matter emissions, as well reducing nitrogen-oxide emissions to extremely low levels,” the company pointed out.

Meanwhile, Cummins also announced the release of its new Sulphur Tolerance Kit, which would allow the export of emissions-compliant equipment into global regions without access to ultralow sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuel.

The kit would increase the resale value and marketability of used equipment meeting EU Stage IIIB and IV standards and the US Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 standards.

“Meeting emissions regulations in Europe and North America requires the use of ULSD fuels, which contain fewer than 15 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur, to reduce particulate matter, soot and sulphur dioxide,” Cummins explained.

The sulphur kit would breathe a “second life” for an engine outside of regulated regions by enabling it to operate with fuels containing up to 5 000 ppm sulphur through the removal of aftertreatment components and modifying the engine control system.