Recently, China’s first medium-speed, high-power ammonia fuel engine developed by Dalian CRRC Diesel Engine Co. Ltd., has obtained the type approval certificate from China Classification Society (CCS).
It is understood that the first medium-speed high-power ammonia-fueled engine was established in 2021, the design and construction was completed in December 2022, the prototype was successfully ignited in November 2023, and the first product machine obtained the type approval certificate in October 2024.
The engine adopts ammonia low-pressure electronically controlled multi-point injection and diesel high-pressure electronic injection technology to accurately control the amount of fuel supplied; and adopts VTG supercharger to realize precise control of the air-fuel ratio within the operating range. Each cylinder can produce up to 208 kW of power, with ammonia energy accounting for up to 91%, and carbon emissions reduced by up to 89%. Emissions meet the Stage II international standards for ships.
The engine optimizes the design of key components and systems related to the combustion system, gas supply system, fuel mixer, etc. to maximize the combustion efficiency in the ammonia-diesel dual-fuel mode. It is at the international advanced and domestic leading level in many aspects such as power level, economy, emission, technology and reliability.
Additionally, the engine features a complete safety protection system. It is equipped with dual ECUs, enabling independent control of diesel injection, ammonia injection, and security measures. The engine also includes knocking control, misfire control, intake and exhaust explosion-proof doors, and crankcase explosion-proof doors. It utilizes a dual-layer gas supply system to ensure the intrinsic safety of the engine.
It is reported that the first medium-speed, high-power ammonia fuel engine will be used as the main engine in China’s first ammonia-powered port operation vessel, which is of industry demonstration significance. It provides a new path to promote the industry to the green, low-carbon direction, will promote the upstream and downstream industry chain innovation and upgrading, and constantly improve the value creation ability, and further enhance the core competitiveness of China’s new energy equipment manufacturing industry and the influence of the industry.