Eaton recently announced it will showcase its Turbulator enhanced cooling hollow valve technology at IAA Transportation 2026, taking place Sept. 15-20 in Hannover, Germany. Designed to help engine manufacturers address increasing thermal demands, the Turbulator technology improves exhaust valve cooling across a wide range of engine operating conditions. The technology is engineered for commercial vehicle engines powered by diesel, hydrogen, compressed natural gas (CNG) and gasoline, providing improved durability and thermal management as engine power density and emissions requirements continue to increase. “As engine technologies continue to evolve, managing heat is becoming increasingly critical to improving durability, efficiency and emissions performance,” said Nate Stewart, global product line director, Engine Air Management, Eaton’s Mobility segment. “Our Turbulator technology enhances cooling performance where conventional hollow valves are less effective, helping manufacturers optimize engine performance while supporting future powertrain requirements.” Unlike conventional hollow-stem sodium-cooled valves that rely on sodium movement primarily at higher engine speeds, Eaton’s Turbulator design incorporates a proprietary internal element that improves sodium circulation throughout the valve cavity. The enhanced fluid movement increases heat transfer efficiency, particularly at low- and medium-speed operating conditions common in many commercial vehicle applications. In testing on an 11-liter heavy-duty diesel engine, Eaton's Turbulator technology delivered substantial cooling improvements compared with conventional hollow valves, lowering temperatures by up to 170 degrees Celsius along the valve stem and as much as 55 degrees Celsius at the combustion face. The technology is also demonstrating strong potential in hydrogen-powered engines, where reducing exhaust valve temperatures and minimizing hot spots can help address the extreme thermal conditions associated with hydrogen combustion.