- Single-cylinder engine tests meet expectations for efficiency and emissions.
- Rigorous testing and validation processes ensure technological reliability.
- Ammonia injection and combustion optimized for efficiency and safety.
Swiss marine power company WinGD reached key milestones during the early testing phase of its new X‑DF‑A ammonia-fuelled engine design. The 52-bore single-cylinder version is currently being tested at the Engine Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur. Final validation is to be completed by June 2025, which is when the first deliveries are scheduled, reports WinGD.
Early Testing Progress and Timeline
Single-cylinder testing is used to rapidly validate the ammonia combustion system under engine conditions while optimizing emissions and performance. It follows earlier validation of critical systems through test rigs and class approvals of the safety concept. Testing will continue with a multi-cylinder engine at WinGD’s Global Research Centre in Shanghai to validate the full-scale engine, turbocharger configuration, and control system before production begins.
Key Achievements in Testing
Sebastian Hensel, Vice President of Research & Development at WinGD, commented on the success of the early tests: “The single-cylinder X-DF-A concept is running well, with combustion efficiency, emissions and pilot consumption within our range of expectations. This milestone is a testament to our uniquely rigorous approach to innovation and the fantastic work of our development team and partners.”
Development Programme and Testing Phases
WinGD’s ammonia development programme began in 2019, progressing in 2022 to experiments using the company’s unique spray combustion chamber (SCC). This was followed by an in-depth investigation of engine components at ERIC’s Future Fuels Lab.
Commenting on the thorough testing process, Sotiris Topaloglou, Head of Testing and Validation at WinGD, said: “In previous tests, we verified that SCC results were transferable one-to-one to the results on our test engines, which is why we invest so much time on these early testing phases. As a result, we are in a strong position to make rapid progress through validation of our ammonia technology.”
Technological Approach and Innovation
The X‑DF‑A platform is based on the proven diesel-cycle concept used in WinGD’s diesel-fueled engines. The development process integrates proven technology with innovative methods for the efficient injection and combustion of ammonia, reducing emissions. Efforts have been focused on the specific challenges related to ammonia as a fuel and on designing and verifying a robust fuel handling and safety concept.
Class societies have already provided approvals in principle for the safety concept. Furthermore, WinGD is cooperating with fuel technology providers, shipyards, and early customers for safe installation and operation.
Market Adoption and Orders
WinGD has already secured nearly 30 orders for the X‑DF‑A engines, which will be used in bulk carriers, containerships, tankers, and LPG/ammonia carriers. The first engines will be installed on four LPG/ammonia carriers owned by Exmar LPG and ten bulk carriers operated by CMB.Tech.
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Source: WinGD
