Cummins ISX diesel engine, the Cummins steam engine

Cummins is developing an engine system that will increase fuel efficiency by 10%. The test bed is the 14.9 L ISX. The ISX debuted in 1998 and features EGR, dual overhead cams (one for the fuel system and the other for the valves and brake system), and a variable geometry turbo. None of these will need any fundamental changes in order to accommodate Cummins' radically new experiment, which will be available as early as 2013. The technology will reduce the size of the radiator and multiple coolers a smaller cooling system means better aerodynamics. Losses due to powering the truck's alternator and various pumps will also be a thing of the past. Another benefit of this scheme is that it creates cooled air for the engine. A Class 8 truck with this engine setup will likely save 1800 gallons of fuel per year. Less emissions is also a benefit due to less fuel consumption. The most powerful production ISX produces 565 HP and 1850 lb-ft of torque. After the engineers' extensive modifications, these numbers are going to get bigger.

How is this possible?
You might be asking yourself if this technology involves a brand new development in quantum physics? Nope, it will use steam. Cummins is adapting a technology traditionally used in electric powerplants called the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The addition of this process to the diesel engine is a change in perspective. Instead of looking at heat as the enemy, it is now viewed as a helpful friend. High exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) temperature turns from being a problem into a solution. The heat (energy) comes out of the engine and then goes into a superheater. This device superheats the wet steam (from the boiler) into dry superheated steam (steam heated beyond boiling). The dry steam has massive amounts of energy and turns a turbine. The turbine turns a generator and transforms otherwise wasted heat energy into usable electric energy. Cummins has decided to use its electricity to power an electric motor built into the crankshaft. Once the superheated steam transfers its energy into the turbine, it is condensed and routed back into the system producing a complete cycle.

Where Will the Extra Energy Come From?
+6% from EGR energy
+2% from exhaust energy
+2% from the eliminationof parasitic accessories
=10% overall improvementthroughout drive cycle