Full Volvo strength, Volvo Penta more powerful engine

With the launch of the D17, Volvo Penta has expanded its genset range and introduced its most powerful engine to date. Like the tried and tested compact D16 engine, the new generation genset engine offers a power-to-weight ratio while also providing customers with a good alternative to similar engines.

Volvo Penta has expanded its genset engine range with the launch of its powerful model, the D17. This 17-litre Volvo Penta TWD1744GE industrial genset engine will help meet the current needs of industrial customers as well as future business requirements. Looking ahead, the D17, along with the rest of the power product range, will continue to evolve, enabling customers to significantly reduce emissions by taking advantage of alternative fuels.

The D17 consumes 5% less fuel per kWh compared to the lower displacement D16 series. This is mainly due to recent developments in combustion technology, such as the fuel injection system with a modern common rail design. An important new feature added to the D17 (which will also be offered to the D16) is the option of a clutch fan to further reduce fuel consumption and noise.

Volvo Penta further leveraged the existing powertrain platform, using the D16’s inline six-cylinder block as the starting point for the new design, ensuring the D17’s basic layout remained the same. Engineers developed an engine with a larger bore, resulting in an increase in displacement, which paved the way for an increase in maximum reserve power of approximately 10% over the TWD1645GE at 1,800 rpm.

“Combined with a two-stage turbocharger, the D17 delivers more power in a smaller package, giving it an advantage over larger alternatives while providing the added benefit of better economy,” said Kristian Vekas, Volvo Penta’s product manager. “To find an equivalent power density, we would have to look beyond automotive-based designs, which could have further increased the cost impact.”

As with the entire Volvo Penta engine range, the D17 is backed by a complete aftermarket support system that reaches out to Volvo Penta’s extensive global dealer network to ensure performance and uptime.

Ready to go

The dual-speed (1500/1800 rpm) D17 powers a wide range of standby and prime generator sets and is suitable for a wide range of applications, especially where sufficient backup power must be available at all times. Therefore, like all Volvo Penta engines for generator sets, the D17 must meet the strict ISO8528 G3 load acceptance standard, which is a measure of how quickly it can meet power needs in the event of a power outage.

The D17’s low tailpipe emissions ensure compliance with UNECE REG 96 Stage 2 (equivalent to EU Stage II non-road mobile emissions requirements) and is certified for US EPA Tier2 stationary emergency, enabling it to be used to provide hours of backup power in areas with strict emissions regulations.

Customers played a major role in inspiring the launch of the D17. As well as wanting extra power to provide more power, they also wanted it to maintain commonality with the D16 for seamless integration.