London, UK… Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced it is launching a range of variable valve actuation systems for light and medium duty diesel engines. These systems eliminate the common trade-off between fuel economy and power by providing the ability to switch valve lift profiles to provide more flexible and adequate gas exchange control. With these systems Eaton will help its European customers to meet mandatory emission reduction requirements and improve fuel efficiency.
The valve actuation systems are part of a range of next-generation variable valvetrain systems for diesel engines, in industrial applications and commercial vehicles, which Eaton recently announced will debut with multiple European and global engine platforms over the next three years. Among these systems are:
- Switchable control of internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing a controlled amount of exhaust gases to be reused for combustion, significantly reducing poisonous NOX gas emission
- Variable valve lift event (late intake valve closing), allowing the engine to switch from Diesel cycle to Miller cycle providing fuel efficiency improvement and NOX gas emission reduction
Both systems have been developed in Eaton’s R&D centre in Turin, Italy. They are two completely independent functions in two different operating modes. But depending on application and operating mode they could be combined with benefits especially for industrial applications like fork lifts and gen-sets.
“Variable Valve Actuation systems for light and medium duty diesel engines are Eaton’s answer to ever growing demand for a cleaner and more efficient combustion,” said Carlo Ghirardo, Vice President and General Manager, Eaton Global Valvetrain Business. “Our solution allows our customers to take the next step in significant NOX and CO2 emission reduction in line with European legal requirements.”
Eaton manufactures more than 300 million valves per year worldwide. Additionally, the company produces valve actuation components like roller rocker arms, hydraulic valve lash adjusters and variable valvetrains making Eaton the only supplier offering the complete valvetrain system. Its facilities in Europe as well as North America, South America, India and Asia Pacific regions supply more than 140 automotive and heavy duty engine manufacturers globally. Eaton’s Vehicle Group operates European valve and valvetrain production facilities in Nordhausen, Germany, in Bielsko-Biala, Poland as well as in Bosconero and Monfalcone, Italy. Additionally, the research and development center for valves and valvetrains is located in Turin, Italy, and Rastatt, Germany.
About Eaton Corporation
Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with more than 100 years of experience providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. With 2011 sales of $16.0 billion, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components, systems and services for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 72,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.
Martin Hayes, Automotive PR + 44 (0) 20 7952 1070 mhayes@automotivepr.com
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