VTNA Launches D13 Variable Geometry Turbo Engine
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Volvo Trucks North America on March 10 launched the D13 Variable Geometry Turbo engine, promising a 3% fuel efficiency increase compared with prior options.
The engine will be the standard installation on the second-generation VNR regional haul tractor also unveiled March 10 at American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition.
Customers also will be able to select the engine for day cab configurations of the VNL longhaul tractor VTNA launched in January 2024.
Carriers will be able to choose from engines offering 405, 425, 435 or 455 horsepower, with torque ratings ranging from 1,450 to 1,850 pound-feet.
(Volvo Trucks North America)Ěý
One key design enhancement of the VGT is that the engine can be brought up to temperature more quickly than its predecessor, making it more versatile in cold temperatures, Director of Product Marketing Johan Agebrand told Transport Topics on the sidelines of TMC. He noted this can include regional drivers who stop more often than their longhaul peers.Ěý
The VGT engine builds on refinements introduced on the updated D13 Turbo Compound engine that is standard on the VNL.
Volvo’s flagship tractor received an updated Turbo Compound engine with smaller needle control valves in the fuel injectors to provide improved fuel flow plus a new seven-wave piston.
A follow-up to the six-wave piston the manufacturer introduced in 2017, the updated piston enables additional directional control of the engine’s fuel and air mixture, according to VTNA. The size of the piston height was cut and paired with a longer connecting rod to minimize cylinder sidewall pressure.
The shorter piston and longer connecting rod minimize side thrust and movement and therefore cut parasitic loss, Agebrand said. The seven-wave piston ensures a premium mix of fuel and air, in order to control combustion better and create less soot and nitrogen oxides, he said.
“As we continue to innovate and improve our powertrain offerings, the launch of the Volvo D13 VGT engine marks another significant step forward in our commitment to fuel efficiency and sustainability,” VTNA President Peter Voorhoeve said.
“Fuel costs remain the second-highest expense for fleets in North America, and our powertrain improvements represent an up to 3% fuel efficiency improvement over our previous-generation engine. The D13 VGT engine is built to deliver the performance and reliability our customers expect, while also contributing to a cleaner, more efficient future.”
Voorhoeves speaks during ATA's 2024 Management Conference & Exhibition. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
Looking forward, that future could see VTNA utilize artificial intelligence software to help further innovate the engine, said Agebrand. He noted that AI and computer science can help in terms of simulations and combustion models.
“We haven’t learned everything yet,” Agebrand said. “We will continue to learn. The application of artificial intelligence will help us learn more.”
A goal for future internal combustion technology is development of engines designed for specific combustion needs, be that temperature, atmospheric pressure or RPMs.
“The variables are growing immensely,” Agebrand said. “In the 1980s, we were thinking about two or three variables. Now we have 50 or 100 parameters. In 10 years, we will be thinking about several thousand parameters. And that is where we will be using AI’s simulation and model building competencies.”Ěý
A cleaner future will also involve alternative fuels, with VTNA expecting renewable diesel to enable the trucking industry to rack up some easy wins, said Agebrand. He noted, however, that Ěýan increase in renewable diesel production is necessary.
The VGT engine utilizes a 24-volt electrical architecture, first introduced in North America by Volvo on the over-the-road VNL model. The company said this system can enable use of lighter components and extend the life of those components due to lower amperage in the system.
VTNA’s first overhaul of its VNR tractor saw a 90% redesign of the previous iteration, the company said.
VTNA unveiled the first overhaul of its VNR tractor March 10, proclaiming a 90% redesign of the previous iteration.
The key advances on the outgoing model, the Volvo Group unit said, were a tighter turning circle, an up to 7.5% improvement in fuel efficiency and upgraded safety systems.
VNR’s fuel savings are the result of enhanced aerodynamics through a more wedge-shaped cab, powertrain innovations and a reduced impact from idling.
RELATED:ĚýVTNA Introduces Software Updates
Powertrain enhancements on the VNR account for nearly 30% of the fuel efficiency improvement.
The VGT engine also utilizes a 24-volt electrical architecture, first introduced in North America by Volvo on the VNL, which it argues can enable use of lighter components and extend the life of said components as a result of the lower amperage of the system.
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