The new generation of the Rolls-Royce 12-cylinder mtu Series 1600 Gx1 diesel engine is said by R-R to ‘set the standard in terms of performance, flexibility, life-cycle costs and lower carbon performance’. “With this new generation of diesel engines in the power range up to nearly 1000 kW, we are continuing to invest in our mtu engine portfolio and offer our customers worldwide cutting-edge technology for reliable and sustainable stationary power generation in critical applications,” stated Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce’s business unit Power Systems. Rolls-Royce recently presented its new strategic framework. A key component is the focus on market-leading propulsion and energy solutions with higher performance that are largely developed and produced in-house.
The range is intended primarily for power generation in critical applications such as data centres, airports and hospitals, and as power plants in regions without a connection to the public grid, such as remote construction sites or mines. In combination with renewable energies and battery storage, its low-load capability is said to make it a reliable and robust power generator in self-sufficient microgrids.
Rolls-Royce has increased engine performance by up to 49 % compared to the previous model. As a result, the 12V1600 Gx1 is believed to offer the highest power density in its power class and outstanding load acceptance, as well as the customary robustness and reliability. To achieve this, engine displacement been increased, a new turbocharger system has been employed, and the injection system has been renewed. The engines deliver full power even at high ambient temperatures, high humidity and under the most difficult environmental conditions.
All Series 1600 mtu engines are released for the use of synthetic diesel fuels in accordance with the EN15940 standard including renewable diesel fuel or HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).
All new mtu Series 1600 engines meet the requirements of Performance Class G3 and exceed the requirements of ISO 8528 Power Ratings for Emergency Standby Power (ESP) and Prime Power (PRP) with load factors of up to 100% for data centres. The engines and gensets also meet the resilience requirements for Tier III and Tier IV data centres.
R-R has also developed a new overhaul solution for existing 10V and 12V mtu Series 1600 engines that extends the engine’s service life by up to 6000 operating hours.
As of January 2024, Rolls-Royce had received orders for 22 of the gensets for a variety of emergency standby applications. The 50 Hz version of the gensets with an electrical output of 600-800 kWe (750-1000 kVA) are expected to follow soon.
