Innovative Technology Eliminates Diesel Smokes, Improves Fuel Economy 

by Bill Siuru

Mirenco, a grassroots company in Radcliffe IA, has developed technology that can alleviate those clouds of black diesel exhaust smoke at construction sites as well as improving fuel economy and reducing engine wear. While catalytic converters, particulate filters and cleaner fuels are conventional approaches to reducing emissions, Mirenco is taking a simpler approach – eliminate fuel wasted by lead-footed operators and through natural engine deterioration with miles and age.

Mirenco’s DriverMax ®, is an affordable microprocessor-controlled fuel management system that monitors throttle input and vehicle fuel demand. Using these inputs, DriverMax controls the optimum fuel flow rate to the engine via a throttle modulating system. DriverMax is installed in the wiring between the throttle position sensor and the electronic control module (ECM). Since DriverMax is installed and operates completely outside the engine, any competent diesel mechanic can install it in less than one hour.

To maximize the benefit of DriverMax, Mirenco technicians perform an initial emission analysis on the engines in a fleet using portable exhaust analyzers. Along with emission analysis, the technicians may use an accelerometer to determine vehicle performance on initial acceleration. Then individual DriverMax units are programmed using Mireno’s software via a laptop computer according to the combustion state of the engine and the vehicle’s power requirements. Ongoing emissions analysis can detect continued combustion degradation due to engine wear and then adjustments may be made. Of particular interest to the construction industry is a new robotic arm developed by Mirenco. This allows DriverMax to be used with older diesel engines with mechanical rather electronic controls. The device essentially converts a mechanically controlled diesel injection pump into one electronically controlled by the DriverMax computer. Testing indicates that the DriverMax alone delivers 5-10 percent fuel savings and 50-75 percent black smoke reduction, not to mention reduced engine wear-and-tear from less efficient throttle control. Recently, Mirenco conducted an extensive series of tests designed to simulate the operation of heavy duty diesel engines in an enclosed environment such as an underground mining, enclosed warehouse building. etc.). Forty four acceleration/deceleration cycles are performed over a ten-minute period where the exhaust from a heavy duty industrial diesel vehicle was pumped into the enclosed cell, measuring 380 square meters. Particulate matter measures were continuously recorded at the PM 10 and 2.5 levels. The results when the DriverMax technology installed consistently demonstrated a 74% reduction in PM 2.5 and a 76% reduction in PM 10.

The DriverMax unit costs about $450, and investment Mirenco says should be paid back typically in 6-9 months through fuel savings. Currently, DriverMax can be purchased directly from Mirenco, but the company is working to establishing a nationwide dealer network.

Mirenco recently announced EconoCruise featuring Satellite-to-Throttle™ technology, which uses the global positioning system (GPS) to learn the terrain traveled to build a map database of the routes traveled. EconoCruise calculates and stores a driver’s acceleration patterns along a given route while driving. Then, when EconoCruise is engaged along the same route in the future, speed and throttle control are determined by the vehicle’s geographical location. The EconoCruise microprocessor can manage the throttle to meet the desired performance criteria (e.g., best fuel economy, speed, and emissions tradeoff), literally second-by-second accounting for terrain, wind resistance, exhaust emissions, and engine performance. EconoCurise, for example, allows the vehicle to gain an acceptable and safe amount of momentum while traveling downhill or on a straightaway to automatically prepare for an uphill stretch of road ahead. The best drivers who are familiar with both the route and the particular truck would drive the route to generate an optimum operational profile in the database that could be automatically replicated any time and with any driver to achieve the same vehicle performance as the best drivers. EconoCruise can be over-ridden by tapping the brakes or pressing the foot throttle. Production units are estimated to be available for heavy duty trucks by third quarter of 2001. 

September 14, 2001 - Mid Atlantic Hard Hat News 

About Mirenco

Mirenco is a Radcliffe, Iowa-based Company that specializes in patented vehicle management technology and consultative services for reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel economy and lengthening the service life of heavy-duty diesel vehicles.  More information is available at www.mirenco.com, or via e-mail at info@mirenco.com or by calling 800.423.9903.

Some of the statements made in this press release are forward-looking in nature.  Actual results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements.  Additional information concerning Mirenco, Inc. can be found within Mirenco's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Statements in this release should be evaluated in light of this additional information.

Contact Information:
Dwayne Fosseen
fosseen@mirenco.com
800-423-9903