Cummins will reveal its next generation ultra-low emissions diesel engines at inter-airport Europe 2017 (Munich Trade Fair Centre, Germany). Spanning 100 to 512 hp (74-382 kW) they are designed to meet 2019 European Union Stage V emissions regulations and are suitable for a range of ground support equipment from aircraft tractors and cargo lifts to plane de-icers and snow blowers.
On display, the F3.8, L9 and X12 engines all set new benchmarks in their class. Providing higher power and torque1 than their Stage IV predecessors, they set unprecedented levels of performance to deliver increased machine capability. Manufacturers can consider engine downsizing with no impact on equipment operation.
All of these engines are designed with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)-free architecture and Cummins latest aftertreatment technologies to meet the stringent levels of Stage V. This selection enables an easier installation with flexibility across emissions levels for exporters.
F3.8 and L9 engine use Cummins Single Module™ Aftertreatment also on display, which achieves higher NOx conversion efficiency than previous models, due to a high-flow dosing capability. It removes 99.9 percent of particulate material by weight and count. The system is smaller and lighter than equivalent Stage IV packages. The X12 engine uses the Cummins SCR/DPF aftertreatment carried over from Stage IV.
“Working with ground support equipment manufacturers we are able to tailor product for their specific requirements,” said Jeroen van Ginneken, Cummins Off-Highway Engine Sales Leader, Europe. “The main challenges to our airport customers continue to be reducing the total cost of ownership, increasing up-time and ensuring that their operations meet strict global regulations on emissions. We recognise the demand for flexibility to match the varied applications of their engine requirements while achieving maximum operational productivity at minimum life cycle cost. The Stage V engines are more adaptive than ever for different machine-load demands and applications.”
“No EGR means there is less to cool, which will help lower the cost of OEM integration,” added van Ginneken. “It also means there is less to go wrong, providing inherently lower maintenance costs.”
Importantly for the ground support equipment operations, smarter electronics introduce Stop-Start technology to the Stage V engine realising fuel savings of between 5% and 15%, corresponding to the amount of equipment idle time. The engine operating costs will be further reduced with an achievable 1,000-hour oil change interval, twice as long as the current 500 hours of the Stage IV engines.
“In the ground support sector, stop start technology is expected to make a big impact. With operators currently not authorised to turn off the machines when they are deemed to be operational due to strict handling operations procedures, the introduction of Stop-Start technology is expected to deliver significant cost savings,” concluded van Ginneken.
With ease of operation in mind, especially in the often challenging environment of an airport, Cummins has also simplified the operational interface for the handler. Cummins Stage V engines are also enabled for wireless connectivity, ready to deliver instant, expert, engine diagnostics over the air so operators can maximise the uptime available of their equipment.
Airports around the world choose Cummins to power a multitude of applications operating airside. Customers in Europe include Goldhofer, TLD and Kalmar, and its engines power a range of applications from aircraft tractors to cargo lifts.
