The Detroit DD13 engine is now available with new features and power ratings with changes to the engine focused on efficiency, robustness and thermal management, all of which contribute to a low total cost of ownership (TCO) and maximum uptime, according to the manufacturer. As such, the 13-liter DD13 is suited for both on-highway and vocational applications, Detroit reported.
Specs and improvements
The DD13 Gen 5 engine is 60 lbs. lighter than its predecessor due to its new aftertreatment system (ATS) and is available with the Freightliner Cascadia for on-highway applications and Western Star 49X trucks for vocational applications such as construction and municipal jobs. Better packaging and more frame rail space ensures clear back of frame for Truck Equipment Manufacturers (TEMs) and upfitters, according to Detroit.
ThermoCoasting, which was initially introduced with the Detroit DD15 Gen 5 engine, prevents aftertreatment cool down during a driving regen to keep the system at its optimum temperature and significantly reduces the need for parked regenerations. This is particularly useful for stop-and-go vocational/urban applications, the OEM explained. ThermoCoasting also increases ATS performance and extends diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleaning and maintenance intervals.
Additionally, many of the key components in the DD13 Gen 5 engine have reduced packaging complexity and are more durable to achieve an even higher level of reliability compared to previous generations.
Meeting vocational challenges
With new vocational-focused ratings delivering up to 525 HP and 1850 lb-ft of torque, the DD13 Gen 5 is suited for applications such as mixers, municipal, vacuum trucks, and oilfield, Detroit noted. These ratings have additional power at the upper end of the RPM band and more torque at the low end compared to the current DD13.
Additionally, the DD13 Gen 5 has been strengthened to handle higher compression ratios, while its new swirl piston design improves combustion and efficiency. A new asymmetric, fixed geometry turbocharger delivers rapid response while also using new thermal management strategies to keep heat in the aftertreatment and reduce the amount of system cool down, the OEM explained. The new journal bearing turbocharger also features a Thermal Control Valve (TCV) that significantly boosts regen performance, allowing for more completed regens at most engine speeds and loads, especially when utilizing a PTO for vocational applications.
On-highway performance
The new ball bearing, fixed geometry turbocharger allows peak power and torque to be reached faster and delivers more fuel economy gains. Integrated Detroit Powertrain (IDP) ratings further slow engine RPMs while maintaining pulling power, reducing parasitic losses and wear for optimal fuel efficiency. The journal bearing turbocharger with the Thermal Control Valve (TCV) is also available without further downspeeding for on-highway customers.
“When we updated the DD13 Gen 5 for on-highway applications, we applied many of the same solutions found in our recently revamped DD15 Gen 5 engine, ensuring the engine delivers on efficiency and performance,” said David Carson, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Daimler Trucks North America.
Engine technology
The DD13 Gen 5 engine comes standard with technology features including the Detroit Connect suite of connected vehicle services; the Detroit Connect Virtual Technician remote diagnostics service; and Detroit Connect Remote Updates. The engines are backed by the Detroit service network of more than 700 authorized service locations nationwide.
