New range of injection systems for low-carbon fuels in the making

Woodward, an engine injection system manufacturer, is developing a new range of injection systems to support the ongoing transition to new fuels in the global energy industry.

According to Woodward, the comprehensive portfolio of new systems will be applicable for new and future fuel-powered engines including methanol and ammonia.

Designed to support the transition, the systems for power-to-X (P2X) fuels in large engines will range from 100 kW/Cylinder to over 1000 kW/Cylinder to enable all possible combustion concepts.

For applications that require the highest levels of power density and efficiency, Woodward said it is developing a high-pressure dual-fuel (HPDF) platform for methanol and ammonia injection with full diesel backup capability.

Additionally, the new range of direct solenoid actuated injection systems is said to be tailored to meet market requirements for simpler and retrofitted systems, including methanol injection systems for port fuel injection (PFI) and direct injection (DI). The injectors are designed for optimal atomization of the fuel to enable good mixing and minimize wall wetting.

Furthermore, for gas engines that are adapted to run on gaseous P2X fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, Woodward’s SOGAV gas admission valves are also being optimized to withstand the properties of these fuels such as poor lubricity, corrosion behaviour and hydrogen embrittlement.

Michael Willmann, Director of Engineering – Large Engine Systems at Woodward, said: “The combustion engine industry is accelerating its efforts to decarbonise and switch from fossil fuels to alternative fuels produced from renewable sources (P2X) such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia, and as a leading global injector manufacturer we need to ensure we have tailor-made solutions for this transition.

Willmann added that the company is currently collaborating closely with engine OEM’s to design and test a range of injector systems that will meet the performance demands of new engines.

“Current development stages range from full field validation through to SCE and R&D phase with extremely positive results to date.”

Willmann further explained that there is a broad variety of combustion concepts for these fuels, and the best choice strongly depends on the target application for the user, whether they are in the marine and shipping sector, power generation or wider industry applications where these engines will be used.