Volvo engine recycles exhaust energy for 7.5% efficiency gain
Volvo's D13 Turbo Compound engine (D13TC) recycles exhaust energy to help deliver up to 7.5% improved fuel efficiency in VNL trucks. The 13-litre D13TC uses a secondary exhaust turbine downstream of the main turbocharge to recover normally-lost energy, which is then routed to the flywheel. The process boosts fuel economy by up to 6.5% compared with previous D13 engine models but, when combined with the additional 1% benefit from improved aerodynamics, VNL series truck drivers will see a 7.5% improvement overall, Volvo Trucks North America said.

By employing a secondary exhaust turbine downstream of the main turbocharger, the normally lost energy is routed to the flywheel, recovering as much as 50 hp and helping to improve fuel economy by up to 6.5% when compared with previous GHG14 D13 engine models.

Volvo Trucks North America’s new VNL series delivers up to 7.5% improved fuel efficiency when spec’d with Volvo’s available D13 Turbo Compound engine (D13TC). ( Earlier post .) Designed for customers with long-haul, steady-speed operations, the 13-liter Volvo D13TC utilizes turbo compounding technology that recovers energy typically wasted through the exhaust, converting it into useable mechanical energy that is transferred back to the engine.

Combined with an additional 1 percent fuel efficiency benefit from the improved aerodynamics of the new VNL series, customers spec’ing the D13TC will see up to a 7.5 percent improvement overall. —Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America



Volvo D13 With Turbo Compound. Click to enlarge.

Customers are able to pair the D13TC with Volvo’s XE—eXceptional Efficiency—powertrain packages. XE packages rely on Volvo’s fully integrated I-Shift automated manual transmission to downspeed the engine, enabling a cruise rpm up to 300 rpm less than the average truck sold today, saving fuel.

The VNL series comes standard with the Volvo D13 engine, with the D13TC available as an option. Customers choosing Daycab and VNL 400 models also have the option of spec’ing the 11-liter Volvo D11 as an alternative. The 15-liter Cummins X15 is also available in the VNL series.

All three Volvo engines feature the patented wave piston, which employs a uniquely designed piston crown. The new wave piston increases compression ratio from 16:1 to 17:1, increasing efficiency. Improved flame propagation increases cylinder efficiency while at the same time reducing soot.

A proven common rail fuel injection system improves fuel efficiency by enabling finer control and more accurate fuel injection.

The engines also feature a revised EGR flow sensor with a new double-wall casing to reduce condensation and soot buildup in cold weather, preventing downtime. An available two-speed coolant pump also contributes to improved fuel efficiency as a result of reduced parasitic losses. The new intake throttle enables a faster warmup when the engine is started.