ABB’s variable valve train system, Valve Control Management (VCM) has been subjected to extensive durability field testing on an MTU high speed gas engine, with the company reporting ‘unprecedented’ success.
Testing demonstrated the successful running of each VCM actuator for 7,000 hours on a high speed gas engine. The tests will now continue until spring 2017.
Originating from a similar principle in the automotive industry, the VCM technology allows a stepless variation of engine valve timing and valve lift from one engine cycle to the next, adjusting the amount of air or air-fuel mixture entering the cylinder. As a result, it increases the adaptability of engine performance in multiple ways, providing the flexibility for best performance and fuel economy at varying loads, speeds, in various ambient conditions and with differing fuel qualities.
It was developed by ABB for and in collaboration with engine builder MTU, and has been specifically optimised for its engines.
VCM is particularly effective for all two-stage turbocharging systems, such as ABB’s Power2®. Combining the capability for VCM to control air intake with the increased turbocharging efficiency of a two-stage turbocharging solution, it is possible to achieve additional efficiency gains.
Dr. Andreas Lingens, Executive Vice President Research & Development, MTU comments: “Developing VCM with ABB has shown MTU its potential for improving the flexibility and therefore the performance of the S4000 engine. We believe this technology can bring significant benefits for operators of advanced single- and two-stage turbocharged engine platforms.”
Dr. Christian Roduner, Vice President Technology, ABB Turbocharging adds, “With over 84,000 collective hours of experience with VCM, it has become more than just a research tool, it is now a real commercial technology for enhanced output and improved fuel economy of high performing gas and diesel engines.”
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