Industrial engines of the TCD 2012 and 2013 series released for operation with biodiesel
DEUTZ AG, Cologne, has successfully tested operation of the six-cylinder engines of the 2012 4V series (bore/stroke 101/126 mm) with rapeseed methyl ester (RME). Thus operation of the Tier 3 engines of the 2012 and 2013 series with biodiesel fuel according to DIN EN 14214 can be recommended without any restriction. This is the result of comprehensive tests carried out recently with the support of the “Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen” (UFOP).
For the final approval of biodiesel suitability for the use in DEUTZ engines, equipped with common rail technology DCR®, there were test bench runs as well as field tests carried out. The essential step for the biodiesel release of the Tier 3 engines was the successful 500-hour-run on the test bench. Since Bosch as supplier of the injection components generally refuses a release of biodiesel, DEUTZ must take over the full risk for all components of the respective engines.
For the 500-hour-endurance test a water-cooled turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 6 liters and four-valve technology had been chosen. To fulfill the emission limits of Tier 3 for mobile machinery the engine is in addition to the DCR® equipped with a controlled recirculation of cooled exhaust gas. The rated power of the engine is 177 kW at 2100 min-1, when operated with diesel fuel according to DIN EN 590. The maximum torque of 1068 Nm is available at a speed of 1450 min-1. The specific fuel consumption at rated output is 216 g/kWh.
Running the legal mandatory C 1 emission test for tractors the following changes were ascertained when comparing RME with standard diesel fuel operation:
Power output at rated speed - 8,5 %
gravimetric fuel consumption (g/kWh) +11,1 %
volumetric fuel consumption (liters/h) + 5,4 %
carbon monoxide emission (g/kWh CO) - 25 %
hydrocarbon emission (g/kWh HC) - 50 %
nitrogen oxide emission (g/kWh NOx) + 2 %
particulate emission (g/kWh) - 54 %
soot emission (g/kWh) - 69 %
Whereas power output and fuel consumption turns negative because of the lower calorific value of RME compared to diesel fuel, the emissions show clear advantages.
To judge the durability, the engine was examined during an intensified 500-hour-endurance test with RME and dismantled thereafter. All important components, such as injection valves, rail, pistons, piston rings and bearings were measured again and did not show any problem.
Beyond the 500-hour-test two tractors equipped with common rail engines were in service with RME. The tractor with a 113 kW engine completed 1419 hours the other with a 138 kW engine 1755 hours. No problems occurred during these operating times with RME. The check of the injection systems at the end of the field tests showed a positive result as well.
The UFOP commendably supported this project by taking over the cost of the fuel needed.