MAN Energy Solutions announced today that a dual-fuel version of the “MAN 175D” high-speed engine that can run on methanol will be available by the end of 2026. The new engine will be available both for new builds and as a retrofit.
According to MAN Energy Solutions, the new engine with the designation “175DF-M” will be optimized for diesel-mechanical and diesel-electric drives in order to achieve the highest methanol content and the best possible efficiency for various applications and load profiles. [ds_preview]
The engine has already received the “Fuel-Ready” certificate from DNV, which ensures the introduction of this dual-fuel methanol technology.
“The MAN 175D has proven to be very competitive in terms of sustainability and efficiency, boasting the lowest fuel consumption, the lowest lube oil consumption and the longest overhaul intervals in its class, which minimizes its environmental footprint,” says Florian Keiler, Head of High Speed at MAN Energy Solutions. “When it comes to the fuels of the future, the next logical step after the possibility of running on 100% biofuels is the combustion of methanol.”
Demand for methanol engines is growing rapidly
The “175D” is MAN Energy Solutions’ latest new development in the high-speed sector and as such is a key pillar in our efforts to develop a methanol-capable engine portfolio, as demand for this technology has increased rapidly in recent times. MAN Energy Solutions has used the mature technology of its two-stroke engines to develop an optimized solution for its four-stroke engines, including successful single-cylinder tests. The results of these tests will be incorporated into the future development and validation of the dual-fuel PFI (Port Fuel Injection) technology for this engine.
“In numerous discussions with customers, it became clear that the dual-fuel principle, reliability, efficiency, high methanol content, competitive life cycle costs and maximum achievable power are key requirements in the development of the 175DF-M,” continues Keiler. “For this reason, we decided on PFI combustion technology as the most favorable after thorough examination and consideration. The basic development in the area of combustion will begin in 2024 and lead to a first field test of the methanol engine in 2026. The 175DF-M engine will then be released for sale at the end of 2026.”
Biofuel reducesCO2 footprint to zero
MAN Energy Solutions is convinced that PFI is the most advanced technology currently available. The development aims to achieve a high methanol content across a wide power range while maximizing cylinder performance in its high-speed engine class. In particular, the optimization for diesel-electric multi-engine systems will make it possible to operate the engines at an optimum operating point with the highest methanol content. When using biofuels, theCO2 footprint of the MAN “175DF-M” is reduced to zero, while at the same time retaining full fuel flexibility for worldwide operations.
