WinGD Advances Testing of Ammonia-Fuelled Engine
Swiss marine power company WinGD is making significant strides in the development of its new X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engine. Early testing of a 52-bore single-cylinder version is underway at the Engine Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur. The company expects to complete final validation by June 2025, in time for the first engine deliveries. This innovative engine design aims to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions in marine applications.
Progress in Engine Testing and Development
The single-cylinder testing phase is crucial for validating the ammonia combustion system under real engine conditions. It also allows for the optimization of emissions and performance metrics. Prior to this, WinGD conducted combustion tests and validated critical systems on dedicated test rigs. The company has received multiple class approvals for the safety concept associated with the engine.
Sebastian Hensel, WinGD’s Vice President of Research & Development, expressed satisfaction with the initial results. He noted that combustion efficiency, emissions, and pilot consumption are all within expected ranges. This achievement reflects WinGD’s rigorous approach to innovation and the collaborative efforts of its development team and partners.
In the coming months, WinGD plans to conduct a multi-cylinder engine test at its Global Research Centre in Shanghai. This test will validate the full-scale engine, turbocharger configuration, and control system before the engine enters production. The company has been working on its ammonia development program since 2019, progressing through various testing phases, including the use of a unique spray combustion chamber (SCC) and extensive investigations of key engine components.
Sotiris Topaloglou, Head of Testing and Validation at WinGD, emphasized the importance of early testing phases. He stated that the results from the SCC tests are directly applicable to the test engines, allowing for rapid advancements in ammonia technology validation. Even before the single-cylinder tests began, the X-DF-A ammonia fuel injectors underwent rigorous testing to ensure their functionality and reliability under extreme conditions.
WinGD’s commitment to safety and innovation has already led to nearly 30 orders for the X-DF-A engines across various segments, including bulk carriers and LPG/ammonia carriers. The company is collaborating closely with shipyards and early customers to ensure safe installation and operation of this groundbreaking technology.
