Ashok Leyland develops new CNG engine

Chennai, Jan 2: Pioneers in CNG technology, Hinduja group's Indian flagship Ashok Leyland has developed the country's first one-litre-per-cylinder six cylinder CNG engine for buses employing Multi Point Fuel Injection (MPFI).

The W06DTI 'H' Series CNG engine combines superior power rating (135 kw @ 2400 rpm) with low emissions, a company release said here today. This 5.7-litre turbo charged inter-cooled natural gas engine meets Euro IV emission standards - ahead of the mandate in India. The high power CNG engine uses stoichiometric combustion technology (chemically correct air-fuel ratio) in combination with three-way catalytic converter to reduce the emissions to the lowest level possible.

The MPFI system delivers the required gas quantity at the intake manifold, as per the vehicle demand even in transient operating conditions.

The Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) used in this engine not only lowers the NOx emission but also restricts the thermal load on the engine components.

The quantity of EGR was controlled by the difference in pressures between exhaust manifold and the turbocharger's compressor inlet.

The waste gate turbocharger was optimized for max torque.

The high performance CNG engine features electronics provided by a new state-of-the-art Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that controls the sequential gas injection and high-energy ignition systems.

The plug-on coils used in the engine, along with long life spark plug, makes for maintenance-free operation of the vehicle.

Designed and optimized for high power and torque output with low fuel consumption and emission levels, the engine offers better fuel efficiency compared to any engine of its class and was expected to provide value to the customer with low life cycle costs, the release said.

UNI