Advances in Air Charging Technology

Poor air quality represents a serious threat to the health and quality of life of people across the globe, as well as increasing the burden on the U.S. and international economy. These threats exist despite progress being made at many local, state and federal levels to curb the growing pollution problem due to increased industrialization and the expansion of motor vehicle usage. Many approaches have been developed over the last decade to combat pollutants [primarily oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), hydrocarbons (HC), particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO)] contributed by mobile sources. This paper will focus on PM and NO_x, the two pollutants most commonly associated with heavy-duty diesel engines. The paper will also focus on the development of an air management technology designed to increase combustion efficiency within the engine chamber that reduces engine-out emissions while increasing fuel efficiency and engine performance.