Development of a Mercedes-Benz Natural Gas Engine M 366 LAG, with a Lean Burn Combustion System

The heavy-duty natural gas engine has been subject of growing interest as a feasible alternative for the reduction of pollution levels in urban centers, where currently diesel vehicles predominate.

This paper summarizes the development of the Mercedes Benz compressed natural gas engine M366LAG, which reached competitive characteristics of Diesel engines, like fuel consumption, weight / power ratio and thermal loading, by matching the turbocharging technology with charge cooler and the concept of lean burn combustion. An oxidation catalyst was developed and emissions less than 50% of the EURO II limits were achieved.

With 5,958 1 of displacement and 6 cylinders in line, the M366LAG provides a power of 170 kW @ 2600 min^-1 and 720 Nm @ 1560 min^-1 as maximum torque.