In 2013, WinGD introduced the X-DF engine series. Dual-fuel engines, using gas admitted at low pressure and ignited by a low volume of liquid pilot fuel was a breakthrough in the marine industry. The X-DF engines offer new marine standards with low-pressure gas technology.
Low-pressure X-DF technology is based on the lean-burn Otto-cycle combustion principle, in which fuel and air are premixed and burned at a relatively high air-to-fuel ratio; a concept already used widely on medium-speed engines.
WinGD has applied a depth of gas engine expertise and experience to its low-speed engines – a move that extends the benefits of DF technology across the broader marine industry. To date, this technology has proven effective and numerous orders have been placed for a variety of vessel types, including large and small LNG carriers, container vessels and tankers.
The low-pressure X-DF engines provide the following benefits:
- Low-pressure gas supply means maximum simplicity, low investment costs and low power consumption
- Extremely small pilot fuel quantity, below 1% of total heat release
- X-DF engines can be operated on gas down to very low loads
- Low NOx emissions, close to zero SOx emissions, IMO Tier III compliant without exhaust-gas after-treatment
- Particulate matter emissions reduced to almost zero