VanDyne SuperTurbo, Cummins partner to design trucks with SuperTurbochargers

Oct. 1, 2010
VanDyne SuperTurbo Inc has signed a contract with Cummins Inc to develop more fuel-efficient Class 8 trucks

VanDyne SuperTurbo Inc has signed a contract with Cummins Inc to develop more fuel-efficient Class 8 trucks using VanDyne SuperTurbochargers. The agreement is part of the Super Truck program, a cost-sharing initiative between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the private sector.

Under the agreement, Cummins and VanDyne will work to develop a VanDyne SuperTurbocharger for a Cummins engine. This American-made technology captures waste heat in the exhaust and adds it back on top of the engine's power. Thereby the technology increases both fuel efficiency and horsepower in internal combustion engines. If successful, the agreement may result in VanDyne SuperTurbochargers going into high-volume production in the future.

Cummins was awarded $39 million under the SuperTruck program to specifically develop more fuel-efficient Class 8 trucks. The goal is to improve vehicle freight efficiency by 50% through advanced and highly efficient engine systems and vehicle technologies that meet prevailing emissions and safety requirements. Every facet of energy consumption of a Class 8 tractor and trailer will be addressed through development and integration of advanced technologies.

The VanDyne SuperTurbocharger works by combining a turbocharger with its own CVT transmission to increase fuel efficiency and horsepower while reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, the SuperTurbocharger has the low-end torque of a supercharger, even higher power than a turbocharger, together with the efficiency gains of turbo-compounding — all in one device.