MAN Lion's City CNG is suitable for operation in hot and dusty regions.
MAN Truck & Bus is taking advantage of the 59th UITP Congress in Dubai to unveil a new version of its Lion’s City CNG bus designed especially for very hot countries. The vehicle on show, a twelve-metre long low-floor solo bus, is driven by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine powered by natural gas. The engine delivers 228 kW (310 hp) while its emissions are way below the limits set for EEV, currently the most stringent emission standard. The engine’s exhaust gases are especially low in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates.
MAN says applications for hot countries such as a pre-separator for the air-intake system ensure reliable operation in very dusty regions where ambient temperatures are high. Power from the natural-gas engine is transmitted to the driving axle by means of an automatic six-speed gearbox equipped with intarder. The gearbox software detects up- and downhill gradients, automatically adjusting the gearshift points as it does so. This reduces fuel consumption.
The natural gas is carried in a total of eight aluminium composite cylinders (rated for a pressure of 200 bar), each with a volume of 214 litres or 1,712 litres in all. The gas cylinders are stored under a roof fairing which can be folded open on both sides. Cylinder storage ranges between six and ten cylinders. Storage volume is calculated on the basis of typical inner-city demand, so that the uncomplicated refill procedure can be carried out at the depot in the evening or at night. Alternative packages of cylinders are available on request.
Security of supply and combustion characteristics are factors in favour of natural gas as an alternative source of energy for both stationary and mobile applications – this is being recognised by more and more countries around the world.
There are currently two series of natural-gas-powered engines (E08 and E28) available for bus and bus-chassis applications in five output classes from 162 kW (220 hp) to 228 kW (310 hp). The MAN E0836 LOH natural-gas engine with a capacity of 6.9 litres and turbocharging that can be seen as an exhibit at the UITP Congress is available in three output classes; 162 kW (220 hp), 184 kW (250 hp) and 206 kW (280 hp). In each case, this output is delivered at 2,200 rpm.
Where more power and torque are required, the 12.8-litre OBD2-enabled MAN E2876 LUH natural-gas-powered turbocharged engine is called for. This engine is available in two output classes, 200 and 228 kW (272 and 310 hp) and is the standard engine in MAN’s natural-gas powered buses.
This article compiled using information from a MAN Truck and Bus press release.
