Volvo Penta has expanded its genset range and launched its most powerful engine to date with the introduction of the D17. The new power generation 17-liter engine delivers exceptional power-to-weight ratio from the same footprint as the proven, compact D16.

The D17 offers up to 5% less fuel consumption per kWh than its lower-displacement D16 sibling. This is largely the result of recent evolutions in combustion technology such as the modernization of the fuel-injection system with a common-rail design. An important new feature—which will also be made available to D16 models—is the option of a viscous fan to reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions further.

Volvo Penta further leveraged its existing power generation platform with the adoption of the D16’s inline six-cylinder block as the starting point for the new design, ensuring the D17’s basic footprint would remain the same. The company’s engineers developed a larger bore engine which thereby enabled the larger volume. This paved the way for around a 10% increase in maximum standby power over the TWD1645GE at 1800 rpm.

Combining this with its dual-stage turbochargers means the D17 can provide much higher power from a smaller envelope, comparing favorably with larger alternatives, while offering the additional benefit of far more economical operation. To find something with equivalent power density, you’d have to look beyond automotive-based designs—which will likely add further cost implications.

—Kristian Vekas, Product Manager at Volvo Penta

Designed to power a variety of stand-by and prime-power generator sets, the dual-speed (1500/1800 rpm) D17 is suitable for a wide range of applications, most notably where sufficient back-up electrical power must be available at all times. Like all Volvo Penta genset engines, the new unit therefore complies with the most-stringent ISO8528 G3 standard for load acceptance, a measure of how quickly it can meet power demand in response to a blackout.

The D17’s low exhaust emissions ensure compliance with UNECE REG 96 Stage 2 (equivalent to EU Stage II mobile off-highway requirements) and it is certified for US EPA Tier2 Stationary Emergency, enabling it to be used for supplying a few hours of back-up power in these highly regulated regions.

The D17 will be on display for the first time at Volvo Penta’s stand at the Middle East Energy (MEE) exhibition in Dubai, from 7-9 March.