Aumet has introduced its new ultra-low NOX engine at Engine Expo 2018. The innovative unit is a hybrid between a two- and four-stroke cycle, using single-fuel RCCI combustion.
“The main idea during development was to make a very light and compact engine that produces zero NOX,” said Timo Janhunen, managing director at Aumet Oy. “In the Z-engine we can take out the aftertreatment, which means we can make a diesel engine at the same price as a gasoline engine.
“A diesel engine produces 20% less CO2, which is more harmful to the atmosphere, so in my opinion gasoline engines should be thrown away. In terms of CO2, the Z-engine is a very good answer to that problem.”
The new design allows the Z-engine to boast high efficiency, especially at partial load and with almost zero NOX and particle emissions. This is achieved thanks to a high intercooling rate, which lowers the TDC compression temperature of the engine so that no NOX formation can take place. This removes the need for aftertreatment technology.
The Finnish company claims that the fuel consumption achieved is comparable to that of a dual-fuel RCCI engine, while manufacturing costs are estimated at US$1,200 lower than for a comparable four-cylinder diesel engine.