Meeting emission standards

John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) has announced that many of its engines under 100 horsepower (75kW) are now US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 3, Interim Tier 4 and European Union (EU) Stage III A ready. Four ratings of the PowerTech M 2.4 litre engine are planned for EPA Interim Tier 4. These engines will also meet current EU Stage III A standards, which took effect January 2007. The PowerTech M 2.4 litre engines are either naturally aspirated or turbocharged.

Four new ratings of the PowerTech E 2.4 litre engine and one new rating of the PowerTech E 3.0 litre are Interim Tier 4 and Stage III A ready. The 2.4 litre engines are turbocharged and air-to-air aspirated and the 3.0 litre engine is turbocharged.

Planned power ratings for these Interim Tier 4 ready and Stage III A engines include:
• PowerTech M 2.4L: 31kW – 37kW (42hp – 49hp).
• PowerTech E 2.4L: 42kW – 49kW (56hp – 66hp).
• PowerTech E 3.0L: 48kW (65hp).

Additionally, JDPS is planning six PowerTech E Tier 3/Stage III A ratings that will be offered above 75 horsepower (56kW). These include:
• PowerTech E 2.4L: 60kW (80hp).
• PowerTech E 3.0L: 57kW – 74kW (76hp – 99hp).
“With some of our PowerTech M and PowerTech E engines below 75 horsepower, we chose to go straight from Tier 2 to Interim Tier 4. Since our 2.4 litre engines have demonstrated Interim Tier 4 and Stage III A capabilities, we’ve met our 2008 deadline. This demonstrates that the technology we developed is a great foundation for our Tier 4 solution,” says Gita Rao, product manager of strategy and long-term planning for JDPS.

Preparing for future emissions regulationsJDPS will leverage the technology developed to meet Tier 3/Stage III A emissions as the basis for meeting future emissions regulations. John Deere is exploring various technology options, including advanced in-cylinder and after-treatment solutions.

“We have narrowed down the technologies we are exploring for Tier 4, but have not yet settled on the solution that will be right for our customers and ourselves,” says Rao. “For Tier 4, we are planning to continue with the multiple-platform option. We’re trying to include many potential solutions for Tier 4. The goal is to determine which concepts work best together in order to provide a solution that meets the needs of each given application.”

JDPS is also optimizing the combustion system for reduced emissions. This includes the use of multiple injections, increased fuel injection pressure, modified combustion bowl and fuel injector geometry. The company is reviewing a number of after-treatment technologies, including diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems. It is also working on NOx adsorbers, lean NOx catalysts and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) solutions. Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) continues to be explored as an alternative solution. -end-

Article courtesy of John Deere Power Systems. For more information contact the company at: (800) 533-6446 or visit at: www.JohnDeere.com/jdpower