“Since their introduction seven years ago, X-DF engines have established a remarkable track record of reliability and efficiency. The addition of iCER has built on this success and now the on-engine iCER adds another configuration that will enable us to support our customers in their efforts to decarbonise their operations with lowest CAPEX,” said Dr Carmelo Cartalemi, Global Head of Sales at WinGD.
X-DF2.0 engines with iCER technology – standing for intelligent control by exhaust recirculation - were introduced in 2020. The solution improves fuel consumption by approximately 8 percent in gas mode and 6 percent with diesel fuel, as well as meeting IMO’s Tier III NOx regulations in both modes. Furthermore, methane slip is reduced by as much as 50 percent, giving it the lowest emission levels of any currently available low-pressure combustion concept.
The fuel efficiency and emissions improvements were confirmed at recent factory acceptance tests carried out with engine builders CMD in China and IHI Power Systems in Japan.
By cooling and recirculating exhaust through the engine, iCER enables more harmful gases to be combusted instead of emitted. Crucially, exhaust gas recycling can be used across the full engine load profile in both gas and diesel modes. In gas mode, the pilot fuel required remains the same across the load range.
“These improvements mean that the full power range is available using gas fuel in all modes of operation, unlike other exhaust recycling solutions,” added Dr Cartalemi. “Thanks to our close cooperation with HHI-EMD, we have added to the operational flexibility that has already made fuel-flexible WinGD X-DF engines the standard choice for twin-engine LNG carriers.”
This first on-engine iCER will be delivered to HHI in May 2024.