As a leading supplier of commercial vehicle power systems, Cummins demonstrated its strong technical strength at the Wuhan Auto Show. Nowadays, Cummins is not only a professional manufacturer of engines, but also has a deep cooperation with transmission expert Eaton and acquired axle expert Mercedes Benz, completing the integrated power chain layout of engine, gearbox, and axle.
From this Wuhan Auto Show, it can be seen that China's commercial vehicle power structure is undergoing a critical transformation. As the backbone of diesel models, natural gas models have emerged and their market share has rapidly increased. In addition, new energy commercial vehicle products represented by pure electric and hydrogen fuels have also sprung up like mushrooms after rain. As a leader in the commercial vehicle power chain industry, Cummins has made advance arrangements for the future commercial vehicle power chain.
On the booth, Cummins brought us a multi fuel integrated power chain engine. What is multi fuel integration? It relies on a modular universal engine design, utilizing a universal base engine, as well as cylinder heads and fuel systems tailored specifically for hydrogen, natural gas, diesel, and biofuels including hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO).
The above image shows the multi fuel integrated engine exhibited by Cummins at the Wuhan Auto Show. From the appearance, it can be seen that the lower half of this engine is painted in traditional red, while the upper half is painted in white. The different color spraying symbolizes the two different components of the engine, with the lower part in red being the universal engine cylinder block, while the upper part is the replaceable parts such as the cylinder head and fuel injection system. By replacing the upper part of the injection system and other components, the engine can be compatible with different fuels.
The multi fuel integrated power chain exhibited at the Wuhan Auto Show is matched with a 15N natural gas engine, which is equipped with a common rail system and injection system related to natural gas, capable of delivering 580 horsepower and 2600N. m power output. The Cummins 15N natural gas engine has the characteristics of low gas consumption, low detonation, strong power, and high reliability, making it a leading natural gas product in the sixth generation of China. This engine has been customized and developed together with four domestic engine manufacturers, providing users with a better and stronger user experience through a "customized" solution.
At the same time, Cummins also brought a hydrogen fuel version of the 15L multi fuel integrated engine to the Wuhan Auto Show. In the future zero emission commercial vehicles, the development of hydrogen internal combustion engines is highly anticipated. By replacing the hydrogen related injection system, the 15H engine has achieved rapid development, sharing most of its components with other products on the same platform, and possessing similar power output characteristics, making the integration and development work of the main engine factory easier and reducing the cost of early integration.
The basic engine of the Cummins 15H hydrogen internal combustion engine has a maximum explosion pressure of 220bar and a maximum BMEP of 22bar, achieving a power output of 2600N. m torque. The hydrogen injection system adopts direct injection technology in the cylinder, with a maximum injection pressure of 40bar, further optimizing the fuel mixing effect in the cylinder and improving the hydrogen supply efficiency. The Cummins 15H hydrogen internal combustion engine adopts a roll flow combustion system based on pen roof, achieving higher thermal efficiency. As a future oriented hydrogen fuel internal combustion engine, the Cummins 15H can meet the stringent emission standards of Europe VII, China VII and other next stages, opening the door for the development of future internal combustion engines.
Over the years of development, Cummins has formed deep cooperation with transmission expert Eaton and other enterprises, integrating top component suppliers such as Mercedes Benz and Jacobs, and creating its own integrated power chain system. The second layout of this integrated power chain system is the Win Series AMT gearbox launched by Eaton Cummins. Since its launch, the Windo series AMT transmissions have been deeply loved by car enthusiasts and are widely installed in diesel, natural gas and other models. It has many advantages such as fast shifting, good reliability, light weight, and long maintenance intervals, with a transmission efficiency of up to 99.8%. Under the control of intelligent integration, the power system can be configured according to the application scenario, bringing better starting, climbing, and overtaking performance.
The final layout of the Cummins Multi fuel integrated power chain product is the time-tested and highly acclaimed Mercedes Benz axle. In 2022, Cummins brought Mercedes Benz under its own influence. The Mercedes Benz axle is known for its economy, safety, reliability, and stability, with strong main reduction ability and adaptable input and output torque. In response to the trend of high horsepower truck engines in recent years, the Mercedes Benz axle can withstand input horsepower of 660 and above. In addition, the Mercedes Benz axle also has excellent lightweight performance. Its axle housing, braking, and main reducer all adopt lightweight design optimization, with an ultra-long oil change cycle and ultra-low self weight, matched with integrated tuning and coordination of the chassis and bridge, to help users transport efficiently and worry free all the way.
At this auto show, the proportion of new energy trucks has reached nearly half, forming an "equal share" with traditional energy trucks. It can be said that the "unprecedented changes" in the commercial vehicle industry are gradually taking shape. As a leader in commercial vehicle power systems, Cummins adheres to the spirit of integrity and innovation, bravely standing at the forefront of the times. While optimizing and iterating traditional power products, we are also striving towards the future zero emission power system, providing unique and exclusive solutions. The debut of multi fuel integrated power chain and forward-looking high-power fuel cell products is the best proof of Cummins' open mindedness.