Wärtsilä 50 diesel engine

Overview

The Wärtsilä 50 is a four-stroke diesel engine generating set in an 18V cylinder configuration producing up to 18.9 MW electrical power. It uses direct fuel injection and is stated to keep emissions within limits set by the World Bank/IFC Guidelines. It can operate on any liquid fuel including liquid biofuels, LFO and HFO, and is described as having minimal water consumption. The engine is supported by Wärtsilä Lifecycle solutions for optimised performance and reliability. Cylinder bore is 500 mm, piston stroke is 580 mm and engine speed is 500 rpm (50 Hz) or 514 rpm (60 Hz); performance designation is 18V50. Rated electrical power is 18 434 kW (50Hz) and 18 875 kW (60Hz), with electrical efficiency of 49.4% (50 Hz) and 49.1% (60Hz). Heat rate is 7 282 kJ/kWh (50Hz) and 7 339 kJ/kWh (60Hz). Regular start time connected to grid is 00:30 and to full load 10:00; fast start time connected to grid is 00:30 and to full load down to 2:00. Stop time is 1:00, ramp rate (hot) is 60% load/min, unit level is 10% and plant level equals the minimum load of one unit. The Wärtsilä 50 is described as suitable for flexible baseload applications including daily starts and stops and for rapid response to fluctuations due to its fast-starting capability. Power to grid is stated as 30 sec, supporting the fast-start functionality. Its dynamic features are described as suitable for balancing power generation, especially in larger power plants where reducing footprint is required.