Powerhouse partnership delivers new engine
Seen at Seawork last summer, the engine installation was extremely neat and compact.
Revolve Technologies’ partnership with suppliers such as heat exchanger specialist EJ Bowman has led to the development of a new marine diesel engine.
Designed for use with small coastal workboats and RIBs as well as leisure craft, the Revolve marinised five cylinder diesel engine has been developed from the Ford Duratorq TDCi engine.
Bowman’s engineering team and products have played a central role in the development of the engine’s cooling system.
Kevin Howell, business development manager of EJ Bowman explained, “The Revolve engine combines OE standard engineering, packaging, product quality and heat management in a compact, space efficient unit.
“Getting the cooling system right was a critical element in the development programme and to ensure a successful outcome Revolve selected Bowman heat exchangers. Our engineering team worked alongside Revolve to produce components that have taken marine engine cooling design to a new level.”
Revolve Technologies has worked in partnership with Ford on numerous projects, jointly developing technology which has been used in Ford’s European model range, including the flagship Ford GT supercar programme.
“Generally speaking, marine engine technology has lagged behind the automotive industry and hasn’t benefited from the technological leaps that have occurred on land, said Howell.
“It is more difficult to get the high level of component ‘packaging’ expertise for marine engines as proprietary parts often have to be used.
“However, the environmental issues that have been the focus of automotive engineers for years are now being picked up by the marine industry in terms of CO2 emissions and noise. The recent spike in fuel costs has also made the industry focus on the poor fuel consumption that many ‘traditional’ marine engines achieve.”
The Revolve engine has been RCD certified for marine applications and offers power outputs of between 74 and 147 kW at the crankshaft, with a capability of cruising fully laden at some 40 knots. It delivers its power with a high torque curve, which suits marine applications extremely well. However, the engine’s fuel efficiency is also great news for both owners and the environment.
Another outstanding feature is the engine’s remarkably low noise levels, which passed ‘drive by’ noise tests with ease even when travelling at speed in open waters. In fact, the unit is so quiet that it would be suitable for ‘stealth’ type applications such as MOD transport.
Engine reliability throughout the development and proving programme has been very high.
This five cylinder engine is available as a 3.2 litre and will later be joined by smaller four cylinder 2.2 litre version. In terms of emissions, the engine is fully Euro V emissions rated/compliant.
The new engine was demonstrated at last summer’s Seawork exhibition. Installed in Revolve Technologies own RIB, the boat was in constant use and the reaction from visitors was extremely favourable.
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