Weichai Power's new diesel engine a gamechanger

Marking a pivotal milestone in diesel engine technology, Weichai Power, a leading internal combustion engine developer in Weifang of Shandong province, has unveiled a commercialized model with a base engine brake thermal efficiency exceeding 53 percent.

The product launch, attended by Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology; Jin Donghan, an academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and president of Tianjin University; Tan Xuguang, vice-chairman of China Society of Internal Combustion Engines and chairman of Weichai Power; and Rick Boom, president of the International Council on Combustion Engines, took place on Saturday at the 2024 World Congress on Internal Combustion Engines in Tianjin.

According to Weichai, the new engine, a record-breaker in terms of thermal efficiency, could help reduce China's annual fuel consumption by roughly 31 million tons and carbon emissions by about 97 million metric tons, based on current diesel engine usage. In addition to the transportation sector, the technology can be applied in fields such as construction machinery, agricultural equipment, ships and power generation equipment, making new contributions to the country's economic and social development.

Helge Knobbe, vice-president of TÜV SÜD's North Asia region, and An Tiecheng, chairman of China Automotive Technology & Research Center, issued product test reports and test certificates during the launch ceremony.

Dirk von Wahl, CEO of TÜV SÜD's North Asia region, sent a congratulatory video in which he stated the thermal efficiency of Weichai's new engine is "a far-reaching result for the entire world."

"I believe this result reflects not only Weichai's scientific research strength, but also its technical strength in the internal combustion engine industry," said von Wahl. "We expect this technological achievement to greatly contribute to China's dual-carbon goals and green development. It will also contribute to sustainable development, energy saving and emission reduction of the global diesel energy industry."

Enhancement of base engine brake thermal efficiency has been a shared goal among global internal combustion engine developers ever since the introduction of the diesel engine in 1897.

In 2015, Weichai established a research and development team consisting of over 100 doctorate holders and more than 1,000 engineers to support development of high-thermal-efficiency engines. It also gained support from the State Key Laboratory of Engine and Powertrain System and national key R&D project plans. They introduced groundbreaking products in September 2020, January 2022 and November 2022, and have consistently been at the forefront of driving development in the diesel engine industry.

"Green, reliable, intelligent and efficient" are Weichai's shared objectives with the global internal combustion engine industry today, and introduction of its new design is poised to spearhead the industry's transition toward green and low-carbon development, exerting a profound influence on the strategic adjustment of China's multi-energy structure.

"Weichai Power has broken the world record for diesel engine thermal efficiency four times — an achievement attributed to the collective wisdom and efforts of Weichai engineers over nearly 4,000 days and nights, as well as the open collaboration with top global universities and research institutions, and the synergistic innovation with the global industrial and supply chain," said Tan.

"This accomplishment belongs to Weichai, and more importantly, to the global industry."

tangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn