Jacobs Vehicle Systems HPD Enters into Production with a Chinese Truck Manufacturer

Chinese truck maker specifies Jacobs Vehicle Systems High Power Density engine brake.

FREMONT, CA: Jacobs Vehicle Systems High Power Density (HPD) engine brake enters into production with a Chinese truck maker. This is the first OEM application of HPD, released in 2016, to be announced. The new Sinotruk Yellow River tractor unit, developed and manufactured by China National Heavy Duty Truck Company (CNHTC), combines Jacobs HPD technology in its 11- and 13-litre engines.

Yellow River is China's most famous truck brand, the Series JN150 of 1960. The latest-generation Yellow River tractor unit, intended for long-haul applications, was released with fanfare in mid-September at the Olympic Sports Center in Jinan. This is the most technically-innovative vehicle to wear the Yellow River badge and the latest step in CNHTCs publicly-declared vision to become a world-class full-series commercial vehicle group. The truck is known for its aerodynamic body design and low unit drag coefficient.

CNHTCs 11- and 13-litre engines, designated MC11 and MC13, are modular designs, with six cylinders and turbocharging, and have B10-rated reliability. The MC11 generates 453 horsepower at 1,900 rpm and 2,200 Nm of torque at 1,000 to 1,400 rpm; the MC13 generates 532 horsepower at 1,800 rpm and 2,500 Nm at 1,000 to 1,400 rpm. The HPD 1.5 Stroke-armed MC11 and MC13 engines are estimated to be used in other applications.

Jacobs released its HPD Engine Brake technology in 2016 in response to requests from engine suppliers seeking high power density and a cost-effective option to the driveline retarder. HPD helps meet the demand for stronger engine braking because fuel efficiency has reduced the natural retarding effects of vehicle wind resistance and friction from the engine, drive train, and tyres. HPD can offer performance comparable to a driveline retarder, up to one-and-a-half times the braking performance of conventional compression release braking over the engine's entire operating range and more than two times the braking performance at reduced rpm.

Jacobs modular HPD system enables OEMs to choose different versions of the technology depending on the application. This includes full 2.0 Stroke, 1.5 Stroke, standard compression release (CR), and future protection for Cylinder Deactivation (CDA) and Late Intake Valve Closing (LIVC). HPD works using cylinder deactivation mechanisms to eliminate different main event valve lift events so a second compression release event per cam rotation can be achieved.