MAN to introduce biogas compatible engine variant at EnergyDecentral 2018

MAN Engines, a part of MAN Truck and Bus, will be presenting its gas engine E3268 in the 320 kWmech variant for the first time at 50 Hz operation. It will be showcased at EnergyDecentral 2018, an international fair for innovative energy supply organized by DLG in Hanover from 13-18 November 2018. The MAN E3268 LE242 is based on the E3268 with 370 kW, which was introduced in 2013, and has therefore been tried and tested in the field hundreds of times over. The V8 engine is available in a natural gas-optimised variant with a compression ratio of ε 12 : 1 and can also be used with biogas with a compression ratio of ε 13.6 : 1.

The new E3268 LE242 is designed as forced induction four-stroke internal combustion gas engines, with eight cylinders arranged in the shape of a V. With a cylinder bore of 132 mm and a stroke of 157 mm, the E3268 LE242 offers 17.2 litres of cylinder capacity. To achieve an output of 320 kW at 1500 rpm, MAN states that the charge exchange has been significantly optimised. This is said to have a positive effect on the energy efficiency, which can be up to 41.7 percent (mechanically) in the natural gas variant. Gunther Zibes, head of Power at MAN Engines says, “This excellent mechanical efficiency rate enables us to achieve the magic number of 40 percent energy conversion efficiency. In some countries that’s worth hard cash due to subsidies.”

The E3268 LE242 with 320 kW will replace the E2848 LE322 from the previous series. This will close the power gap in the portfolio of MAN Engines among turbo engines between 220 and 370 kW. The tried-and-tested data logger with standardised sensors and cable harness could offer an additional benefit for customers. Via a CAN interface, important parameters such as the coolant, oil and exhaust gas temperature, as well as the charge pressure and oil pressure, can be provided for the system controls with minimum effort.

MAN claims that the E3268 LE242 is well-equipped for future emissions requirements thanks to a variant with nitrogen oxide levels of 250 mg/Nm(cube) NOx (5% Oxygen). At the same output of 320 kW, the MAN gas engine – equipped only with an oxidation catalyst – is said to meet the requirements of the Technical Instructions on Air Quality Control (TA Luft).

For markets with a 60-Hz mains frequency, MAN Engines also offers an operating variant of E3268 LE242 for natural gas with a rated speed of 1,800 rpm. This has an output of 340 kW and the company claims that it achieves a mechanical efficiency rate of 40.3 percent and a thermal efficiency rate of 48.2 percent, or 88.5 percent in total.