Rolls-Royce has today launched a V-line version of the new B33:45 liquid fuel and B36:45 gas engine series. This completes the new engine family, following the launch of the first variants three years ago.

“This is an important milestone for us. The new V-Engine series is truly an outstanding product and we believe that the new platform confirms Rolls-Royce’s position as a global provider of some of the world’s most efficient power plants,” said Peter Headland, Head of Customer Business at Bergen Engines AS, which is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

“The Powergen market is a very important part of our business. Over the last two years we have increased our customer base significantly, both in Asia and the rest of the world. We believe this new power plant platform will be in high demand, especially in the Asian market where many of our customers have access to LNG or natural gas. The B36:45V gas engines are perfect to support variable renewable energy sources in hybrid systems like micro grids.”

The V-line will consist of 12, 16 and 20 cylinder, while the inline platform is available in 6, 8 and 9 cylinder. At 600 KW per cylinder the new engines offer a 20 per cent increase in power per cylinder compared to their predecessors. In addition, the engines set a new standard in power and efficiency with exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions of NOx, CO2, SOx and particulates.

"Our medium speed engine range is renowned for its robust design and high reliability. The new engine builds on and improves our existing capabilities, with a completely new modular architecture. This makes for an engine family that is truly engineered for the future, with numerous configurations, multiple fuel options, and low life cycle costs," said Leif-Arne Skarbø, Chief Technology officer at Bergen Engines AS.

With a modular design, the B33:45 liquid fuel and B36:45 gas engines will share the same core components. This allows for fuel conversion between gas and liquid fuels with minimal downtime, and will create a very flexible platform for customers. This is especially beneficial in countries with transitioning fuel options.

The new engine is applicable for different operational modes. This includes baseload, grid balancing, load following and peaking. Waste heat and CO2 can also be efficiently used for industrial processes, district heating, air conditioning, or to drive a combined cycle.

The B36:45V20 will be the first variant available in the new V-series. The very first two engines are planned to be installed as an extension to an existing Rolls-Royce 37 MWe combined heat and power plant in Czech Republic. With the extension, the power plant will, from the end of 2019, deliver 60 MWe electricity and heat for companies and homes in the nearby town.