- + Honeywell re-maps technological development and application
- + Global alignment leads to improved visibility, ownership and synergy
Aligned for Engineering Excellence
Posted 08.12.2009
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The newly merged Engineering function at Honeywell Turbo Technologies re-maps technological development and application into five key areas: Small VNT™, Large VNT™, Gasoline, Two-stage and Small Wastegate, and Large Free Floating & Wastegate. With this global alignment come improved visibility, ownership and synergy. Here, each of the platform leaders share their thoughts on what’s going on in their fields…
Small VNT™: Setting New Standards in Turbodiesels
Interview with Pierre Barthelet, Global Product Line Leader
“This segment will become increasingly important in the immediate future, as auto manufacturers pursue an engine downsizing agenda, driven by fuel efficiency and emissions standards. Our small VNT™ turbos – which cover all diesel engines from 1.2L to 2L – are critical in meeting these objectives.
“Currently, our team is launching the new Honeywell VNT™ for Euro V applications, with a debut on the latest VW Golf 1.6L diesel engine, followed by many more customer applications. This turbo sets new standards of performance and fuel efficiency for small diesel engines. At the same time, we are already working on our next generation VNT™ turbos for Euro VI applications that will deliver even greater fuel efficiency benefits while complying with tougher emission standards at a competitive price.
“The shift in focus to smaller engine platforms makes additional demands on the turbo for improved transient response and low-end torque. At the same time, the adoption by OEMs of solutions such as ‘stop & start’ or biofuels creates new and more challenging operating conditions.
“All this means that we need to keep pushing the performance of single-shaft configurations to provide affordable solutions to OEMs for small diesel engines. We believe that turbo technology improvements by themselves may help to achieve fuel efficiency gains in the order of 2-4 percent versus the current Euro V baseline at an acceptable cost.”
Large VNT™: DualBoost Sparks a Turbo Revolution
Interview with Peter Davies, Global Product Line Leader
“Our large VNT™ systems cover diesel engines from 2L through to 13L, ranging from the larger end of passenger vehicles to the smaller-displacement segment of commercial vehicles.
“We are currently completing the launch of several new exciting technologies to address our global customers’ requirements, including our groundbreaking VNT™ DualBoost technology that is making its debut in the Ford 6.7L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine. This industry-first technology features two compressor wheels driven off one turbine impeller – with a ball bearing system – providing a compact turbo solution that is quicker to boost, more responsive and better able to deliver power and torque, especially at the low end, where the customer demands it. As a result, we see a great future for VNT™ DualBoost.
“We are also completing the launch of our Euro V/JAP09 VNT™ line-up for medium and heavy-duty applications. This technology combines optimum fuel efficiency and engine-braking capability with durability and reliability. Pneumatic, electric and electro-hydraulic actuation options cover the complete spectrum of on-highway and off-highway needs
“Meanwhile, new emission standards (US10, Euro VI, Tier 4 Final) are creating challenges for OEMs and we’re playing our part in finding solutions, for example by improving bearing and aerodynamic designs in line with the changing powertrain strategies.
“Looking further ahead, we are working on a number of promising technologies for 2015, ranging from enhanced single-shaft solutions to region-specific technologies that meet emissions standards.”
Gasoline Turbos : Raising the Bar in Gasoline Turbocharging
Interview with Jean-Jacques Laissus, Global Product Line Leader
“Gasoline turbocharging stands on the threshold of massive expansion and at Honeywell our focus is on developing turbo solutions for engines ranging from <1L up to 6L, with power output from 40kW to 300kW and beyond.
“Since the launch of our new gasoline product family in 2007, we have been extremely successful in supporting landmark turbo gasoline passenger car launches for many of the world’s leading manufacturers. We’re now a key development partner across an ever-widening engine range including, among others, BMW V8/V12 blocks, Ford’s V6 EcoBoost in the US and the innovative Fiat 1.4L MultiAir in the EU market. These launches include options such as twin-scroll technology with high temperature capability up to 1020°C, electric recirculation valves, low-nickel content stainless steels and welded manifolds.
“The spread of turbo technology to gasoline engines is gaining momentum globally and OEM priorities are set on increasing fuel economy without compromising on power and reducing technology cost. At Honeywell, the challenge is to develop optimized solutions for each engine type in tune with the changing powertrain technologies and customers needs.
“Over the next 12 months we are developing next-generation products to address the specific SULEV and Euro VI emission requirements. With this range, we aim to provide more value in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions capability at an affordable cost.”
Two-Stage and Small Wastegate: Leading the Way Through New Launches
Interview with Giorgio Figura, Global Product Line Leader
“Honeywell dual-stage turbo solutions are leading the way in delivering optimum boost and fuel efficiency in diesel powertrains.
“This year we have successfully introduced the first Parallel Sequential Dual-Stage turbo application to the market on the new Jaguar XF 3.0L V6 diesel engine, which has really impressed the media and end-users. This industry-first solution, which will also feature in Ford engines, incorporates a small VNT™ turbo, a small free-floating turbo and a patented flow-control valve in a compact-package, and is ideally suited to V-engine architectures. The results are stunning both in terms of fuel efficiency and driveability.
“Over the next 12 months we will be expanding our dual-stage turbo line-up with the launch of several Euro V applications.
“We are constantly pushing the envelope in efficiency, packaging and valving for both passenger car and commercial vehicle programs, and increasingly utilizing materials such as titanium for compressor wheels to meet the demands of higher operating temperatures.
“At the same time, we are working on significant wastegate innovations that will see the launch of the world’s first diesel micro-turbo fitted on a 2-cylinder <1L engine in emerging markets, which would open up affordable automotive mobility in these regions. Simultaneously, we are working on our future Euro VI technologies (wastegate and multi-stage) to addresses the specific performance and emissions requirements of these applications.”
Large Free Floating & Wastegate: Big-time Boosting Benefits
Q&A with Chris Meade, Global Product Line Leader
“Honeywell’s large free floating and wastegate turbos are designed for engines of 6L and above, both on and off highway, with power ratings from 150kW to around 3 mW for both diesel and natural gas engines.
“Meeting emissions requirements is a key driver in the commercial vehicle segment, so many of the projects underway are focused on the optimization of aerodynamics and bearing systems to deliver the performance required to meet incoming emissions standards. This is being delivered through extensive cross-functional collaboration within Honeywell through the use of tools such as computational fluid mechanics, advanced test technologies and the latest validation techniques.
“Our key challenges are of course also our customers’ challenges and these revolve particularly around fuel efficiency, reliability and cost. We are working with OEMs to enhance turbo-system integration and to ensure that our wastegate and free floating technologies continue to offer high value solutions to meeting global emissions standards, including those in emerging regions.
“Looking ahead, one of the most important areas we are working on is ball bearing technology, which will become increasingly commonplace as a means of improving transient response and fuel economy. We also continue to invest in our worldwide engineering footprint so that we become the preferred turbo partner for both global and regional OEMs, including in emerging markets such as India, China and Brazil.”
Photo Credit: Honeywell, Bertrand Jamot, Scott Papera
© 2009 Honeywell International Inc.