MANN+HUMMEL Meets Environmental Challenges

LUDWIGSBURG, Germany, March 10 -- MANN+HUMMEL is a leader in combining engineering technology with the use of innovative components crafted of advanced materials. Working with sophisticated plastics and composites, they are experienced in providing automakers with the tools required to produce environmentally responsible, fuel-efficient vehicles. Many of their most advanced products will be featured at the SAE 2005 World Congress in Detroit, April 11 - 14, 2005.

One of the product innovations, the Secondary Air Charger, helps meet stringent emissions requirements by introducing fresh air into the exhaust system to improve the oxidation of NMHC and CO and reducing the time to heat up the catalyst.

The Secondary Air Charger (SAC) is integrated into the air induction system of the engine. The SAC contains a turbine wheel and compressor wheel. The turbine, which is driven by the pressure difference at the throttle body, powers the compressor. The compressor provides the exhaust system with fresh air, without the use of a bulky, heavy and expensive electric air pump.

Compared to secondary air pumps, the secondary air charger provides advantages in performance, packaging and weight. The secondary air charger starts directly at engine start-up, with the onset of manifold vacuum.

Tests of the secondary air charger show that they have a higher level of startup performance when compared to a secondary air pump. Engine measurements have demonstrated that 80% of the rated mass airflow is reached very quickly. In addition, the plastic wheels in MANN+HUMMEL's Secondary Air Charger have the added advantage of reducing the size and weight of the SAC.

MANN+HUMMEL, a development partner and original equipment supplier for the international automotive industry, is a leader in the development of Hydrocarbon Absorption technology to meet expanded California emissions requirements. The CARB (California Air Resources Board) Evaporative Emission Standards are the most stringent Evaporative Emission Standards in the world. The CARB PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) regulations are among the most difficult to achieve. MANN+HUMMEL has created a solution to address the CARB PZEV requirements for California and the other Green States (MA, ME, NY and VT).

The solution consists of hydrocarbon adsorptive media permanently installed in the vehicle's air intake system -- usually in the air cleaner assembly. The media collects, or traps, all hydrocarbon fumes emanating from the intake system after engine shutdown and holds them until the engine is re- started; at which time the fumes are released into the incoming air stream and burned in the combustion process.

Only vehicles that are forced to pass the CARB PZEV requirements require an HC-trap. However, the MANN+HUMMEL solution is sufficiently cost effective that the OEMs could choose to spread their HC-trap costs over a given vehicle's entire volume to reduce manufacturing complexity. In addition, MANN+HUMMEL's HC-trap can be integrated into the air cleaner system in either a 'full-flow' or 'bypass' version for greater packaging flexibility. Ever sensitive to dealing with the need to recycle components, MANN+HUMMEL is also the source of the world's first all plastic oil module and metal free filter elements. The module is recyclable and the element completely incinerateable at the end of its service life.

In the U.S., new diesel emissions regulations and cleaner diesel fuels slated for 2006 raise the need for innovative engine performance solutions. Both U.S. and European automakers recognize the opportunities created by these changes and are planning to increase their offerings of clean diesel-powered vehicles to their customers.

As an experienced, recognized pioneer in the development of air, oil and fuel filtration systems, MANN+HUMMEL is continuing to provide automakers with innovative, high-quality product solutions, like the Secondary Air Charger and Hydrocarbon traps. These products, including an Air Cleaner with integrated Beauty Cover and Hydrocarbon Trap, will be displayed at the MANN+HUMMEL SAE 2005 exhibit, in booth # 1726.