MAN E3872 Stationary Gas Engine Introduction

MAN Engines is expanding the power range of its stationary gas engines and, in keeping with the concept of high power density, has developed the new E3872 series, which achieves an impressive power of 735 kWmech from just 12 cylinders. The natural gas version achieves an effective mechanical efficiency of up to 44.0% at 50 Hz.

The new MAN E3872 stationary gas engine is designed with a 138 mm bore and 165 mm stroke;

With a displacement of 29.6 litres, it achieves a maximum power of 735 kWmech from just 12 cylinders;

The natural gas version has an effective mechanical efficiency of 44.0% at 50 Hz;

This four-stroke petrol-gas engine is designed for power and heat generation.

MAN E3872 Stationary Gas Engine Key Features

High-efficiency single turbocharger: By fine-tuning the intake and exhaust guide vanes (diffuser and nozzle rings), it is possible to operate the turbocharger at the point of optimum efficiency of the compressor and turbine. This reduces the workload of the charge cycle;

M18 Pre-combustion chamber spark plug: In the newly designed combustion chamber, gas ignition takes place in several positions. This has a positive effect by accelerating combustion. In addition, combustion stability is further improved during low NOx operation;

Camshafts with Atkinson cycle: this design is relatively rare for stationary engines, but has a very positive impact on efficiency;

Steel pistons: through their grooved geometry, they help to accelerate combustion and improve efficiency.

Specific parameters

The E3872 engine is designed as a four-stroke spark ignition gas engine with a displacement of 29.6 litres, a bore of 138 mm and a stroke of 165 mm. With its production of 735 kWmech, the E3872 offers a significantly higher power output as a gas engine. the E3872 series is based on the proven compact 25.8litre MAN E3262 platform, which is synonymous with powerful engines that take up very little space. the 12-cylinder engine's output of 735 kWmech is a customer-orientated solution that offers unbeatable value in terms of suitability, maintenance and operating costs. With its mechanical efficiency of 44.0%, fuel consumption can be significantly reduced, lowering operating costs and improving profitability.

The new single turbocharger concept has a significant impact on the high efficiency of the innovative E3872 gas engine. By fine-tuning the inlet and outlet guides (diffuser and nozzle ring), the turbocharger can be operated precisely at the optimum efficiency of the compressor and the turbine, thus reducing boost cycle work. Other modifications made within MAN to improve efficiency include the use of control timing based on the Atkinson principle, which is rather unusual for stationary engines. In addition, the new steel pistons have a bowl design that helps to accelerate combustion and thus improve efficiency. Pre-combustion chamber spark plugs, specifically adapted for combustion chambers, also have a positive effect on combustion acceleration, as they allow gases to ignite at multiple points within the newly designed combustion chamber. In addition, combustion stability during low NOx operation has been improved even more.

Its high efficiency makes the engine particularly suitable for applications that focus on power generation and additional heat generation. This opens up a wide range of potential applications in the agricultural and municipal sectors, hotels, hospitals and factories. The high mechanical efficiency has a corresponding positive effect on the operator's energy balance in power production. As an additional customer benefit, the E3872 uses a hydraulic valve lash adjuster, which eliminates the need to regularly check and adjust the valve train. Machine operators will benefit from the elimination of routine maintenance intervals and the resulting costs.

A variant running at 1800 rpm (60 Hz) is also being developed for certain markets. As part of the process of converting the stationary natural gas engine portfolio to "hydrogen-ready" status, the new E3872 engine will also be designed to run on a hydrogen mixture (H2) while running on natural gas.

The natural gas version of the turbocharged E3872 engine achieves a NOx value of 250 mg/Nm3 NOx (5% O2), while the biogas version achieves 500 mg/Nm3 NOx (5% O2). The future NOx limit of 100 mg/Nm3 NOx (5% O2) can easily be achieved by CHP or genset manufacturers through the use of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system (selective catalytic reduction category).