The Antarctic, a polar region with temperatures as low as -50℃, is constantly swept by cold winds. This is the real battlefield that the Chinese Antarctic scientific expedition team faces, and it is also an extreme test of the performance of engineering equipment.
Recently, during the 42nd Chinese Antarctic scientific expedition, two important pieces of equipment powered by Cummins engines, the THT550 high-power tractor from TianShun GreatWall and the 4215D motor grader from Liugong, set out with the team to undertake key tasks in polar scientific research, providing reliable power to support the steady progress of polar construction.
The heavy-duty pioneer in the polar region opens up the transportation line
The THT550 high-power tractor from TianShun GreatWall is equipped with a Cummins QSZ13-C550 engine. To cope with the extremely cold environment, Cummins has specially configured intake heating, cylinder block heating, and fuel system heating devices for the engine. It has also collaborated with the vehicle manufacturer to develop active engine compartment intake and exhaust grilles. During low-temperature conditions and cold starts, the grilles are closed to quickly increase the engine temperature and save fuel.
Before the equipment set out, on the basis of the Cummins engineering team supporting the main engine manufacturer to complete the engine application matching, testing and verification and other work, they also specially organized for the scientific research personnel accompanying the team to conduct special training on cold start optimization in extremely cold environments, operation points in low-temperature environments, and maintenance and care under extremely cold conditions, providing a solid guarantee for the stable operation of the equipment under extreme working conditions.
Icefield infrastructure experts pave the way for Antarctic research
The Liugong 4215D motor grader equipped with a Cummins L9 engine undertakes crucial tasks such as ice surface leveling, road construction for research stations, and heavy-duty transportation road building during this expedition. The L9 engine has a maximum power of 286 horsepower and a maximum torque of 1,245 Newton-meters. Coupled with the new-generation E6 turbocharger, it can generate high torque at low speeds, enabling the equipment to handle heavy loads on ice with ease.
It can support unassisted start-up at -15°C and start-up with intake heating at -35°C, ensuring rapid response of the equipment under extremely cold conditions. At the same time, it has excellent high-altitude adaptability, capable of operating without torque reduction at an altitude of 3,500 meters and meeting the requirements of operations at 4,500 meters. Whether the research station is built in the inland plateau or coastal areas of Antarctica, it can provide continuous and stable power support.
Cummins non-road engines are not intimidated by extreme cold, high altitudes and other harsh challenges. With strong power and high adaptability, they have become a reliable power choice for various complex working conditions.