Bosch and Weichai Power boost Weichai truck diesel engine efficiency to 50%
Photo courtesy of Weichai Power

Bosch and Weichai Power boost Weichai truck diesel engine efficiency to 50%

Germany’s Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and service, and Chinese engine manufacturer Weichai Power have set a new global benchmark by increasing the efficiency of heavy-duty diesel engine technology by up to 50%.Currently, thermal efficiency for truck engines averages around 46%. 

“In increasing the efficiency by four percentage points, we have jointly reached a new milestone. Even though the diesel engine is nearly 130 years old, its development continues,” said Dr. Volkmar Denner, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. 

In addition to its common-rail system with injection pressure of 2,500 bar, Bosch also contributed its full technical know-how in fuel injection systems. Particularly when it comes to commercial vehicles, and above all when heavy loads have to be transported over long distances, the diesel engine will remain the preferred choice for the foreseeable future. For this reason, Bosch and Weichai aim to steadily refine this technology with an eye to protecting the climate and environment.

Bosch’s common-rail system is at the diesel engine’s heart

Bosch and Weichai launched their joint development project in September 2018. “Bosch offered great support on the breakthrough and unprecedented achievement of 50% efficiency in Weichai commercial-vehicle diesel engines. We’re very pleased to be continuing our highly successful partnership with Bosch,” says Tan Xuguang, chairman of the Weichai Group. 

Bosch provides its modular common-rail system for the six-cylinder diesel engine with 12.9 litre displacement. Because it guarantees efficient fuel supply and injection, it is a critical element in ensuring the engine complies with the China VI emissions standard. The Bosch system can be used for pressure levels from 1,800 to 2,500 bar and configured for engine sizes up to eight cylinders. High injector flow rates make it possible to optimise the combustion strategy and achieve high engine performance. Depending on the demands it is subject to, the system can last for up to 1.6 million kilometres. The common-rail system is also designed to work with an electrified powertrain.

Making trucks cleaner, safer, and more intelligent

Bosch and Weichai, China’s largest manufacturer of engines for commercial vehicles, have enjoyed many years of partnership. Their strategic alliance began back in 2003. Over the 17 years since, both companies have pooled their strengths and expertise in multiple endeavors, one of which was supplying the Chinese market with powerful, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly diesel engines. Furthermore, Bosch and Weichai collaborate in several other areas, including the mobile fuel cell and driver assistance systems. They are united by a common objective: making commercial vehicles cleaner, safer, and more intelligent. Bosch and Weichai’s close partnership also extends beyond vehicle technology – to Industry 4.0, for example, and in turn, the connectivity and digitalisation of factories.

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