Josef Guenther

Specifics of Daimler's new SCR system (BLUETEC) in the Diesel Sprinter Van - Certified for NAFTA 2010

Beginning in 2010, Daimlers well known Diesel Sprinter van has to fulfill the new and clearly tighter NOx emission standards of NAFTA10 (EPA, CARB). This requires an integrated approach of further engine optimizations and the implementation of an innovative exhaust aftertreatment technology. The goal was to develop an overall concept which meets simultaneously the tightened emission standards (including OBD limits) and the increasing customer demands of more power and torque without loosing the high fuel efficiency of the small and highly efficient 3 liter V6 diesel engine OM642, which already has been installed in the NAFTA07 Sprinter. In the early stages of the concept phase, the most appropriate NOx aftertreatment technology and certification form (engine or vehicle) had to be selected for this specific vehicle class in the van segment with enhanced requirements to durability, economical efficiency and specific driving behavior. The implementation of Daimlers BLUETEC SCR system combined with a vehicle certification reveals the best way to meet the multilayer requirements. Due to the usage of a small passenger car derived but highly efficient diesel engine (OM642), the adoption of passenger car derived SCR components (AdBlue® dosing valve, tank and dosing system) was more appropriate as our heavy duty derived components. The following SAE paper illustrates the implementation of the SCR system (BLUETEC) into the Diesel Sprinter van in detail. Main investigation areas are the adaption and optimization of the exhaust gas system including catalyst coating and the AdBlue® dosing system, specifics of the operation strategy and the overall balancing of engine and exhaust system optimization to meet the van specific requirements and the customer demands for more power, torque and fuel efficiency. The result is an attractive and unique powertrain concept for vans in North America. The new NAFTA10 Diesel Sprinter offers now higher power (188hp) and torque (325 ft-lb) at even improved fuel efficiency (24.7 mpg) and significant lower NOx emissions (up to 90%) compared to its predecessor. Consequently, Daimler developed a clean, environmental-friendly and economical highly efficient sustainable solution for future transportation in the van segment of North America. Beginning in 2010, Daimler is going to sell the NAFTA10 Sprinter generation additionally as Mercedes-Benz vehicle in USA (all 50 states) and Canada, besides the well known branding as Freightliner.