Cummins (NYSE:CMI), which is involved in the Super Truck program, has signed an agreement with VanDyne SuperTurbo.
Under the agreement, the companies will jointly work to develop a new VanDyne SuperTurbocharger for a Cummins engine for the Class 8 prototype trucks. This technology captures waste heat in the exhaust and adds it back on top of the engine’s power, increasing both fuel efficiency and horsepower in internal combustion engines.
“It is an honor to be working together with Cummins on this DOE initiative,” said Ed VanDyne, founder and CEO of VanDyne SuperTurbo, Inc. “As an American company, we’re proud to have developed this groundbreaking technology that we believe will be a major contributor to saving money in the trucking industry, while helping save the planet.”
Cummins was awarded $39 million under the Super Truck program to develop more fuel efficient Class 8 trucks. The goal of the program is to improve vehicle efficiency by 50% through advanced engine systems and other vehicle technologies.
“Exploration of the VanDyne technology is an exciting complement to Cummins technologies portfolio to provide greater vehicle fuel economy and improved driveability,” said Don Stanton, principal investigator for Cummins’ Super Truck program. “Our collaboration with VanDyne SuperTurbo exemplifies Cummins commitment to provide innovative engine technologies to meet fuel efficiency demands of the trucking industry.”
The VanDyne SuperTurbocharger works by combining a turbocharger with its own CVT transmission to increase fuel efficiency and horsepower while reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, the SuperTurbocharger is a product that has the low-end torque of a supercharger, even higher power than a turbocharger, combined with the efficiency gains of turbo-compounding, all in one device, the company said.
“Our technology allows manufacturers of internal combustion engines to meet their CO2 reduction targets without changing that much in their vehicles,” said Ed VanDyne. “We also have the ability to support future engine platforms in hybrids to further improve total vehicle energy efficiency.”