As the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles grows, so does the technology behind them. One such component is the diesel engine—a type of internal combustion engine that uses a fuel and air mixture to generate heat and power.
In the past, diesel engines were bulky and ill-suited for many applications. But with tech advancements in engineering and the discovery of new materials, they’ve seen a resurgence in popularity as they reach a new level of sophistication. That said, more automakers are recognizing this trend and producing diesel engine-equipped models. In fact, experts predict its global market to reach USD$266.3 billion by 2027 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.75%. This figure shows that diesel engines are gaining momentum in the automotive industry.
To give you more insights, here are five advances in diesel engine technology that have made it the powertrain of choice:
1. Modern Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor
It’s no secret that driving diesel engines often results in increased emissions. Aside from polluting the atmosphere and breaking regulations, these gases can damage the engine’s components. This is because excessive gas emissions mean higher temperatures, which can cause the engine components to degrade faster.
Innovators have developed modern diesel engines with exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensors to combat this problem. How EGT systems work is similar to how a thermostat regulates your home’s temperature. By monitoring the exhaust gases, these sensors can alert drivers when the gas temperature reaches a certain threshold, giving them time to take corrective action. This helps with cleaner emissions and ensures the engine runs at its optimal performance level.
2. Electronic High-Pressure Injection System
One of the main components of a diesel engine is the fuel injector. It delivers fuel into the combustion chamber at the correct pressure to break down the molecules and atomize them into tiny droplets. Generally, injection pressure for diesel engines should be above 20,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) or ranges from 1,600 to 1,800 bar.
While traditional fuel injection systems deliver the fuel through mechanical pumps and timed valves, modern diesel engines use electronically controlled high-pressure injection systems. This technology has enabled diesel engines to achieve higher compression ratios, resulting in greater power output.
3. Advanced Turbocharger
Turbochargers spin a turbine wheel using exhaust gases, which drives an air compressor. This increases the air density entering the combustion chamber, allowing more fuel to be injected and burned.
The latest turbochargers are designed with improved impellers and housings to reduce lag time, which refers to the delay between when you press the accelerator and when the turbine starts to spin.
Here are some of the latest advancements in turbocharger technology:
- Variable geometry turbochargers (VGTs): These feature adjustable blades that regulate the exhaust gas flow, allowing for greater power output.
- Twin scroll turbochargers: This technology splits the exhaust stream into two channels to achieve higher turbocharging efficiency.
- Electric turbochargers: Electric turbochargers allow for faster spool-up of the turbine wheel and more accurate control of the boost pressure.
All these technologies produce higher torque at lower engine speeds, resulting in seamless and responsive power delivery and improved fuel economy.
4. Innovative Filtration System
Traditional diesel engines don’t have sufficient filtration systems, leaving the machine vulnerable to dirt particles and other contaminants. The latest diesel engines feature high-performance filtration systems to protect components from wear and tear.
The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is one of the most notable advancements. The DPFs capture the soot particles from exhaust gases and convert them into harmless substances. Another filter technology is the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC), which oxidizes unburned hydrocarbons and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. These innovative components are essential for controlling exhaust emissions from diesel engines but perform distinct roles.
5. Start-Stop Technology
Start-stop technology is an energy-saving feature found in many advanced diesel engines. When the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine will automatically switch off and restart again when the driver presses the accelerator.
This technology significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, making diesel engines more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. It also helps reduce engine wear and tear, as the machine stays idle for shorter periods.
Wrapping Up
Exciting opportunities lie ahead for diesel engines as innovation and technology evolve. These advancements have resulted in more efficient, reliable, and clean engines. From high-pressure injection systems to advanced turbos and innovative filtration systems, modern diesel engines deliver greater power and improved fuel economy than their predecessors.
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, it might be worth considering a diesel engine with the latest technology. With proper maintenance and care, your diesel engine will continue to provide reliable performance for many years.
