First MAN of a new generation

The newly developed D2862 V12 diesel engine from MAN is the highest rated power-generation engine in the portfolio of the MAN Business Unit Engines and is expected to open up channels to new markets for its makers. For MAN it is the beginning of a new generation of engines, the first in a series that will be launched over the coming years.

The 12 cylinder unit has a displacement of 24.2 litres, a stroke of 128 mm and a bore of 157 mm. In standby operation it provides a mechanical output of 880 kW at 1500 rpm and 1117 kW at 1800 rpm for electricity generation. Assuming the usual power-dependent generator efficiency of around 95%, outputs of 1000 kVA (1500 rpm) and 1250 kVA (1800 rpm) are available. For prime power the D2862 yields 700 kW at 1500 rpm and 800 kW at 1800 rpm, which represents an increase of 110 kW over its predecessor. The apparent electrical output for a normal generator efficiency of about 95% amounts to 800 kVA (at 1500 rpm) and 900 kVA (at 1800 rpm). Thanks to the configuration of the engine the D2862 is not only considerably more powerful but also, according to its maker, maintains high reliability and availability over its long service life.

A major feature of the new unit is its fuel economy. Despite a significant increase in power output the D2862 needs up to 29 g/kWh less fuel at full load than its predecessor. These figures are achieved through the incorporation of new features such as common-rail injection, which provides an optimal combustion process, and single-stage supercharging with a bi-turbo version to optimise the charge reversal.

Genset applications

Dimensions of 2419 mm x 1540 mm x 1782 mm (length, including radiator, by width, by height) and a dry weight of 1950 kg render the engine suitable for use in container gensets. The new power unit meets the EC Stage 3A/EPA Tier 4 interim exhaust-gas standards and will therefore be available for mobile gensets too.

These data put the new MAN V12 in a new output category, one in which its competitors generally offer 16-cylinder engines. The launch of the D2862 also marks the first of a new generation of V-configured engines from the MAN Business Unit Engines factory in Nuremberg. In the next few years further models with lower ratings will follow so that the product portfolio can be extended and adjusted to market requirements. The focus is on reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Gas version

This new diesel offering follows last year’s launch of the company’s E2842 gas engine – a new V12 designed specifically for economy, but with cogeneration plants on mind.

This gas recip has a capacity of 21.9 litre (bore 128 mm, stroke 142 mm). With its 420 kW of mechanical power when fuelled with natural gas and 380 kW (mechanical) with biogas (at 1500 rpm) the E2842 is at the top of MAN’s gas engines power range with power output and efficiency significantly higher than those of its predecessor. With a two-stage mixture cooling system and an optimised combustion process the lean-mix V12 achieves a mechanical efficiency of 40.8 % and a thermal efficiency of 48.6 % with biogas. With natural gas the figures are 39.2 % and 49.1 % respectively. Supercharging is by a turbocharger with water-cooled turbine housing.

Major investment

In a year that marks two major anniversaries for MAN AG, the 250th year since the founding of the company and the 150th birthday of Rudolf Diesel, group has embarked on a r150 million investment programme, funded mainly by strongly increased sales for its large medium speed units, to reorganise and extend its engine production capacity to meet forcasts for strong demand during the period to 2015. It covers several European locations, will be spread over the period 2008 to 2010, and complements the results of its 2006 acquisition of SEMT Pielstick which brought the company a spacious and well equipped engine works, with deepwater access to the sea. A good part of the investment will be in spare parts manufacture, a side of the business that has expanded enormously along with the company’s increased sales.