LucasVarity's new common rail system.
Thursday, October 1 1998
System initially developed for automotive markets; injection pressures over 20,000 psi, pilot injection among key features
The Diesel Systems Division of LucasVarity has developed a new common rail fuel injection system for diesel engines. The system, initially developed for light-duty, passenger car applications, has already been accepted by Ford and Renault, S.A. of France and Kia Motors of Korea in contracts totaling more than $1 billion, LucasVarity said.
"With the commitments to LucasVarity from Ford and Renault, we are now one of two major common rail suppliers in Europe," said Dominque Chauvin, divisional managing director, diesel systems, at LucasVarity. "And we are keen to contribute to the diesel market take-off in the U.S. with our common rail technology."
Currently, more than one-third of all new cars purchased in Europe are diesel powered. Because of their low emissions of greenhouse gases, diesel engines are being considered as a possible alternative in the North American markets.
Common rail fuel system technology, which has been used in a number of heavy-duty engine applications - both Caterpillar and Cummins are in production with common rail systems for some of their engines - is considered particularly suitable for lighter vehicle applications for a variety of reasons.
Common rail systems typically operate at very high pressure and utilize advanced electronics to control fuel delivery, injection timing, injection pressure and rate of injection though a multiple injection strategy. By controlling these parameters, common rail systems are capable of achieving a level of performance and driving comfort for diesel vehicles similar to gasoline models, with significant fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.
Small quantity pilot and post injection is a feature of the LucasVarity common rail system which can result in significant noise reduction and increased efficiency of a DeNox catalyst, according to John Mardell, chief engineer, technology, at LucasVarity. High injection pressure can be achieved throughout the speed range, giving good economy at low smoke levels, he added.
The components of the LucasVarity fuel system include a high-pressure pump with pressure regulator and inlet metering valve; a rail with a pressure sensor for fuel storage; electrohydraulic injectors; and an electronic control unit.
