Green engineering

The quest to alleviate environmental and efficiency pressures turns up “small” material solutions with big benefits.

At the beginning of August, with crude-oil prices decreasing slightly but still above $120/barrel, the national average for on-highway diesel fuel (all types) was $4.60, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration-$1.72 more expensive than a year ago. With record-high fuel prices, not to mention looming emissions regulations such as U.S. EPA Tier 4 Interim by 2011, “going green” is no longer just a corporate ploy to boost public perception; it is becoming essential to a company's bottom line.

As a result, no technology area is exempt from R&D spending as off-highway equipment makers and their suppliers search for cleaner, lighter, more-efficient alternatives. Undoubtedly, powertrain is a top priority, with sophisticated emissions-control systems coming on board as ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel becomes a requirement for non-road diesel engines in 2010.