Rolls-Royce Upgrades Power Output for mtu Series 1600

The next generation of Rolls-Royce’s 12-cylinder mtu Series 1600 Gx1 diesel engine achieves a high standard of performance, flexibility, life-cycle costs, and lower carbon performance. Rolls-Royce presented its new strategic framework, which focuses on propulsion and energy solutions with higher performance that are developed and produced in-house.

The new Series 1600 is suitable for power generation in critical applications such as data centers, airports, and hospitals. It can also be installed in power plants in regions without a connection to the public grid, including remote construction sites and mines. In combination with renewable energies and battery storage, the engine has a low-load capability that makes it a reliable and robust power generator for self-sufficient microgrids.

mtu Series 1600 Gx1 engine; Image Credits: Rolls-Royce

“With this new generation of diesel engines in the power range up to nearly 1000 kW, we are continuing to invest in our mtu engine portfolio and offer our customers worldwide cutting-edge technology for reliable and sustainable stationary power generation in critical applications,” said Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

Rolls-Royce upgraded the engine performance by up to 49% compared to the previous mtu model. Following the upgrade, the 12V1600 Gx1 offers a high power density and increased load acceptance, as well as robustness and reliability. Displacement has been increased, a new turbocharger system was used, and the injection system has been renewed. The engines deliver full power at high ambient temperatures, high humidity, and under difficult environmental conditions.

Series 1600 mtu engines are adapted to use synthetic diesel fuels in accordance with the EN15940 standard, including renewable diesel fuel or hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Drop-in fuel, such as renewable diesel, can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil diesel. The 60 Hz genset covers an extended power range from 680-900 kW electrical output, while the 50 Hz version has an electrical output range of 600-800 kWe and will be arriving to the market soon.

Rolls-Royce also developed a new overhaul solution for the 10V and 12V mtu Series 1600 engines that extends the service life by up to 6,000 operating hours at a lower cost. Instead of removing and reinstalling the engine, certain components can be replaced and downtime is minimized.