Jacobs Vehicle Systems, a manufacturer of heavy-duty diesel engine retarding systems and valve actuation mechanisms, has launched its new High Power Density (HPD) engine brake to vehicle and engine OEMs in Europe.
The HPD engine brake realises one-and-a-half times the braking performance of traditional compression release braking over the engine’s entire operating range and more than two times the braking performance at lower rpm (the same retardation at 1400rpm as at 2100rpm previously). It delivers 2000Nm of retarding torque at 1300rpm and beyond and 611kW power at 2500rpm in a 13-litre engine. This provides the equivalent of large engine displacement retarding power, in small and medium displacement diesel and natural gas applications. Jacobs also states the system can assist in exhaust after treatment thermal management, by preventing the catalyst from cooling during descents.
Jacobs’ HPD Engine Brake transforms the four stroke engine into a two stroke compression device by deactivating the main intake and exhaust valve events and supplementing with two stroke valve events. Whereas a conventional engine brake has one compression release and one brake gas recirculation event per cam rotation, this innovative and patented two-stroke technology achieves two braking events per cam rotation. It is fully variable with controlled boost modulation, which allows the driver to achieve the right balance between retardation, speed and efficiency.
“There is significant market potential for Jacobs’ HPD Engine Brake in Europe, where Jacobs’ compression release engine braking has already been adopted by Daimler, Renault, DAF, Deutz and Volvo,” explained Sergio Sgarbi, Jacobs Vehicle Systems president. “But whereas approximately 90% of all heavy-duty trucks in the UK employ engine braking (a similar proportion to North America), take-up in Germany and other European markets is less than that.
“The majority of European trucks still use hydraulic driveline retarders, which are dependent on vehicle speed for effectiveness, and are typically 175kg heavier, with a corresponding penalty for the vehicle’s payload capacity,” he continued. “The Jacobs HPD Engine Brake can cope with those lower speeds, eliminating the need for a driveline retarder and becoming the primary choice in secondary braking.”
April 27, 2016