Scania collaborating in research on the biofuel-based engine technology of the future

Scania collaborating in research on the biofuel-based engine technology
of the future

Scania has been granted SEK 30 million − about EUR 3.3 million − by
Sweden's Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation Initiative (FFI) to
develop a biofuel engine intended for heavy commercial vehicles. This
research will show how the best characteristics of the diesel and the
Otto principle can be combined in an engine that can operate on both
alcohol- and gaseous methane-based fuels.

Scania will focus on developing an engine using sustainable biofuels
that will combine the high energy efficiency of diesel (compression
ignition) technology with the more efficient exhaust aftertreatment
system of Otto (spark ignition) technology.

“Such an engine will be optimal in responding to the challenge of
achieving low emissions of greenhouse gases, combined with reduced
emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulates,”
says Jonas Hofstedt, Senior Vice President, Powertrain Development.

Vehicles and industrial equipment that operate on renewable fuels
provide very good results from a life cycle perspective (well-to-wheel).
In Brazil, for example, there is major potential for efficient
utilisation of renewable energy since that country is a large producer
of biofuels.

Scania has been granted FFI funding for the phase of its research
project that involves the development of innovative technology for both
alcohol- and methane gas-based fuels. This research includes systems for
premixed combustion and ignition of fuel, gas exchange systems,
optimised valve performance, exhaust gas recirculation and the use of
advanced catalyst technology for efficient exhaust aftertreatment.

“Public sector co-financing of our climate and environmental investments
makes a good contribution to research that will lead to commercially
viable engines with substantially higher efficiency and lower
environmental impact than is possible with today's technology,” Mr
Hofstedt says.

In its project, Scania is working together with cutting-edge experts in
combustion and emission technology at the Royal Institute of Technology
(KTH) in Stockholm, Lund University and Chalmers University of
Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“My hope is that our in-depth collaboration with three of our country's
leading institutions of engineering education will lead to a greater
interest in studying combustion and emission reduction technology.
Preserving and developing advanced expertise in these fields is crucial
to the future competitiveness of the Swedish vehicle industry,” Mr
Hofstedt concludes. 

The project is part of a bilateral arrangement between Sweden and Brazil
in which Scania has been engaged for some time in environmental
collaboration with Vale Soluções em Energia S.A. (VSE) on the further
development of ethanol- and gas-fuelled industrial engines.

The Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation Initiative (FFI) is a
partnership between the public sector (the Swedish Governmental Agency
for Innovation Systems, VINNOVA; the Swedish Transport Administration;
and the Swedish Energy Agency) and the vehicle industry (Scania, AB
Volvo; Volvo Car Corporation; Saab; and FKG, a trade association
representing Scandinavian suppliers to the automotive industry). Its
purpose is to jointly finance research, innovation and development
activities, with a focus on the fields of climate and environment as
well as on safety. Initially set to run from 2009-2012 with no definite
ending year. FFI has R&D activities worth approx. SEK 1 billion per
year, of which half is governmental funding. More information about FFI
is available on www.vinnova.se/en/ffi/ (http://www.vinnova.se/en/ffi/)

For further information, please contact Hans-Åke Danielsson, Press
Manager,
tel 08 553 856 62.