Powerful new seven litre diesel for power generation

Volvo is describing its new engine as high output yet compact, with rapid response to step loading and low operational costs. These are the most important characteristics claimed for the TAD734GE, an entirely new electronically controlled 7-litre diesel unit featuring the company’s very latest engine technology and, according to its makers, it is ‘a thoroughly modern engine’.

In more detail – its electronically controlled common-rail fuel injection in combination with a wastegated turbocharger, air-to-air charge air cooling and four valves per cylinder provides the basis for its high efficiency performance. Precise control over the fuel injection process – fuel quantity and injection timing are adjusted at lightning speed – allows performance characteristics to be optimised to give very fast response to step loading, but with low fuel consumption and low overall exhaust emissions.

Power output is 250 kVA (prime power) at 50 Hz and 227 kWe standby at 60 Hz.

Synergies

What Volvo calls ‘engineering synergies’ provide some advantages. The TAD734GE has the same electronic engine management system – EMS 2 – as that fitted to Volvo Penta’s 9, 12 and 16-litre engines. This is a particularly user-friendly system based on CAN-bus technology. The customer can choose to use Volvo Penta’s engine instruments and control equipment or to connect his own control system via the interface provided in the EMS.

Dual speed switching between 50 and 60 Hz is standard, as in all Penta industrial engines designed for power generation.

On delivery, all major equipment – cooling system, air intake system, engine ECU – is pre-mounted on the engine in order to give reduced assembly time for the genset installer.

Regarding exhaust emissions performance, the engine was developed and certified for EU Stage 2. It also meets TA-luft standards.