What is the difference between ME-B & ME-C engine?
If you are interested in marine engines, you may have heard of ME-B and ME-C engines from MAN Diesel & Turbo. These are two types of electronically controlled two-stroke engines that have been widely used in modern ships since 2010. But what are the main differences between them, and why should you care? In this blog post, we will explain the basic features and advantages of each engine type, and how they compare to each other.
difference between ME-B & ME-C engine
ME-B engine
The ME-B engine is a cost-effective version of the earlier ME-C engine, designed to meet the market demand for electronically controlled engines with low fuel consumption and emissions. The ME-B engine uses electronic control only for fuel injection (ELFI – Electronic Fuel Injection), while retaining a camshaft-driven exhaust valve and a mechanical cylinder oil lubricator. The fuel injection system consists of a dual hydraulic control unit (HCU) that controls two fuel injection valves per cylinder, allowing for flexible injection timing and rate shaping. The HCU also controls a solenoid valve for starting air distribution, eliminating the need for a mechanical distributor.
The main advantages of the ME-B engine are:
– Lower initial cost compared to ME-C engine
– Reduced maintenance cost due to fewer electronic components
– Improved fuel efficiency and emission performance due to electronic fuel injection
– Compatibility with various fuel types, including low-sulphur fuels and biofuels
– Simple installation and operation
ME-C engine
The ME-C engine is the most advanced electronically controlled two-stroke engine from MAN Diesel & Turbo, featuring electronic control for both fuel injection (FIVA – Fuel Injection Valve Activation) and exhaust valve (ELVA – Electronic Exhaust Valve Activation). The ME-C engine also has an electronic cylinder oil lubricator (ALS – Alpha Lubrication System) that adjusts the lubrication rate according to load and speed. The fuel injection system consists of a single HCU that controls one fuel injection valve per cylinder, allowing for precise injection timing and rate shaping. The exhaust valve system consists of an actuator that controls the opening and closing of the exhaust valve according to a pre-programmed profile.
The main advantages of the ME-C engine are:
– Higher performance and reliability due to full electronic control
– Optimal combustion efficiency and emission performance due to flexible injection timing and rate shaping
– Reduced cylinder oil consumption due to electronic lubrication system
– Enhanced operational flexibility due to variable exhaust valve timing
– Ability to handle high-pressure gas injection for dual-fuel operation
Conclusion
Both ME-B and ME-C engines are state-of-the-art electronically controlled two-stroke engines that offer significant benefits over conventional mechanically controlled engines. However, they differ in their degree of electronic control, complexity, cost, and suitability for different applications. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, you can choose either one of them for your ship propulsion system.
