Woodward, the leading engine injection system manufacturer, has announced they are in development to create injection systems suitable for new and future fuel-powered engines.
The enterprise aims to develop a comprehensive range of injection systems for various alternative fuel types, including methanol and ammonia. Woodward’s innovation also supports the growing trend towards environmentally conscientious energy transitions.
Their portfolio of injection systems will allow all potential combustion concepts to be achievable with low-carbon fuel, with power-to-X (P2X) fuels in large engines ranging from 100 kilowatts per cylinder to over 1000 kilowatts per cylinder.
The new system injectors aim to simplify and optimise the atomisation of alternative fuels to allow good mixing and minimal wall-wetting, which will lower total hydrocarbon emissions by avoiding a build-up of un-vaporised fuel droplets on the intake wall.
However, Woodward has also developed a dual-fuel system for engines that require higher power density and efficiency levels, pairing alternative fuels with a full backup of diesel fuel capability.
The new injection systems are explicitly tailored to meet market needs for simpler, retrofitted systems using solenoids.
Gas admission valves for existing gas engines adapted to run with gaseous P2X fuels, such as hydrogen and ammonia, are also being innovated. The improvements improve these engines to withstand difficulties from using the above fuel types. Issues that arise include poor lubricity, corrosive behaviour, and hydrogen embrittlement.
“The combustion engine industry is accelerating its efforts to decarbonise, switching from fossil fuels to alternative fuels produced from renewable sources (P2X) such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia. As a leading global injector manufacturer, we must ensure we have tailor-made solutions for this transition,” said Doctor Michael Willmann, Director of Engineering and Large Engine Systems at Woodward.
Woodward is currently working with the engine's original equipment manufacturer to test a range of injector systems that can meet performance requirements for their new engines. Willimann stated that they had received promising results throughout these development phases.
With the range of motors required for multiple fields, both private car use and industrial applications, the company aims to meet the specific needs across various industries.
