Global automotive supplier DENSO has developed an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve unit, a major component of EGR systems that helps make diesel engine emissions cleaner. The new unit, the first in the world to integrate an air-intake throttle valve and an EGR valve, is half the size of conventional models and requires fewer components. The unit will be installed in a diesel passenger vehicle to be sold in Europe from later this year.
Conventionally, air-intake throttle valves and EGR valves were separately installed to vehicles. By integrating the two valves into one unit, DENSO combined the ducts and reduced the connectors, reducing the size by half compared to previous models. Conventionally, the air-intake throttle valve and EGR valve needed a motor for valve opening and closing paired with a sensor to detect the valve opening and closing angle. However, DENSO’s new unit, which integrates the two valves, needs only one motor and one sensor, thus reducing the cost.
DENSO has been mass-producing its first EGR valves used in LPL EGR systems since February 2011. It has also been mass-producing LPL EGR systems with a separate air-intake throttle valve and EGR valve since November 2012. DENSO’s new EGR valve unit is designed for LPL EGR systems.