Oil leakage from a turbocharger is a failure mode that can lead to reductions in performance, oil consumption, and emissions non-compliance. Cummins latest oil sealing innovation reduces these risks by developing a more robust sealing system that complements other leading innovations developed for Holset® turbochargers.
Cummins Turbo Technologies (CTT) Redefining Oil Sealing Technology celebrates nine months of being available on the market. The revolutionary technology, currently in the international patent application process, is suitable for applications in the on- and off-highway markets.
Presented in September 2019 at the 24th Supercharger Conference in Dresden in the whitepaper, “Development of an improved turbocharger dynamic seal”, the technology was developed through Cummins research and development (R&D) and was Promoted by Matthew Purdey, Group Leader in Subsystem Engineering at CTT.
The research came in response to customers demanding smaller engines with higher power density, along with lower emissions, and the turbocharger remained one of the most critical components in a vehicle’s driveline. Because of this, Cummins has continuously remained dedicated to delivering excellence to customers through continual exploration of innovative ways to improve turbocharger performance and by considering enhancements that affect durability as well as performance and emissions benefits. This new technology further enhances oil sealing capabilities to deliver a wide range of benefits to customers.
What are the benefits of the new oil sealing technology?
The new sealing technology for Holset® turbochargers allows to reduce turbo speed, reduce size, prevent oil leaks in two-stage systems and reduce CO2 and NOx emissions for other technologies. The technology has also improved the thermal management and reliability of the turbocharger. In addition, due to its robustness, it has had a positive impact on the frequency of maintenance of a diesel engine.
Other key elements were also considered when sealing technology was in the research and development stages. These include enabling optimization of the compressor stage diffuser and a push for tighter integration between aftertreatment and turbocharger, an integration that has already undergone significant R&D from Cummins and forms an important part of the concept of Integrated system.
What experience does Cummins have with this type of research?
Cummins has more than 60 years of experience in developing Holset turbochargers and uses in-house testing facilities to perform rigorous testing and repetitive analysis of new products and technologies.
*Multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to model the behavior of the oil in the seal system. This led to a much deeper understanding of the oil / gas interaction and the physics at stake. This deeper understanding influenced design improvements to deliver the new sealing technology with unmatched performance, “said Matt Franklin, director of product management and marketing.
Due to this rigorous testing regime, the final product exceeded sealability by five times the initial project goal.
What more research should Cummins Turbo Technologies customers expect? Continued investment in research and development of turbo diesel technologies is ongoing and demonstrates Cummins commitment to providing industry-leading diesel solutions in the on-highway and off-highway market.
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(By Cummins Inc.)