DYNA JOURNAL ENGINEERING

Already on sale, it had achieved a thermal efficiency of 50.26% in tests certified by the German TÜV-SÜD agency, marking a historic milestone in these internal combustion machines. It also complies with all the emission specifications required by Chinese and European regulations.

After two years of research, BOSCH and Weichai have developed this 12.9 litre engine with a common rail injection system of up to 2,500 bar, making it the most efficient means of propulsion for transport. Despite advances in electric, hybrid and gas powered vehicles, it is estimated that the greatest benefits in reducing emissions can be achieved sooner with this type of proposal.

Indeed, it is rare for a commercial diesel engine to exceed 40% efficiency, even though tests have been conducted with a maximum of 46%. Taking this last figure, the new engine represents a possible 8% reduction in diesel consumption. In China alone, which has a heavy transport fleet of some 7 million units, a reduction of 33 million T of fuel would be achieved, eliminating 105 million T of CO2 emissions per year.

Although the diesel engine is almost 130 years old, research is continuing to improve it. This step is the prelude to a target of 55% efficiency in the near future.