Wärtsilä 50 diesel engine

The Wärtsilä 50 is a four-stroke diesel engine generating set. High efficiency and power on any liquid fuel combined with high reliability and flexibility makes this solution perfect for flexible baseload applications including daily starts and stops. The dynamic features of the genset are also suitable for balancing power generation, especially in larger power plants where footprint needs to be reduced.

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Wärtsilä 50 diesel engine for power plants

Wärtsilä 50 engine comes in 18V cylinder configuration producing up to 18.9 MW
electrical power. It uses direct fuel injection that results in high engine efficiency while
keeping emissions within limits set by the World Bank/IFC Guidelines.

Key benefits

  • Most efficient liquid fuel solution
  • Can operate on any liquid fuel including liquid biofuels, LFO and HFO
  • Minimal water consumption
  • Fast-starting capability which enables rapid response to fluctuations 
  • No start cost, limitations nor degradation in number of starts 
  • Compact size reduces power plant footprint
  • Optimised performance and reliability supported by Wärtsilä Lifecycle solutions

Our proudest numbers

30 sec

power to grid.

49.4%

electrical efficiency.

>3500

MW installed capacity.

Technical data of the Wärtsilä 50 diesel engine

Wärtsilä 50 diesel engine generating set
Cylinder configurations18V
Cylinder bore500 mm
Piston stroke580 mm
Engine speed500 rpm (50 Hz), 514 rpm (60 Hz)
Performance *
 18V50
Rated electrical power (kW)18 434 (50Hz) 18 875 (60Hz)
Electrical efficiency (%)49.4 (50 Hz) 49.1 (60 Hz)
Heat rate (kJ/kWh)7 282 (50Hz) 7 339 (60Hz)
Loading and unloading
 Connected to gridFull load
Regular start time (min:sec)00:3010:00
Fast start time (min:sec)00:30Down to 2:00 
Stop time (min)1:00
Ramp rate (hot, load/min)60%
Minimum Load
Unit level10%
Plant levelEqual to minimum load of one unit
* Rated electrical power and electrical efficiencies are given at generator terminals at 100kPa ambient pressure, 25°C suction air temperature and 30% relative humidity, and without engine driven pumps. Power factor 1.0 (site). Electrical efficiency with 5% tolerance. Site conditions, fuel and applicable emission limits may have an impact on performance figures. Please contact Wärtsilä for project-specific performance data. Catalyst systems are designed based on project specific requirements. Certain fuel components are poisonous for catalyst elements. Maximum amount of these components to be limited in the fuel in applications where catalyst system is installed.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and may not be incorporated, in whole or in part, into any agreement or proposal. No representation of any kind is made in respect of any information contained herein and Wärtsilä expressly disclaims any responsibility for, and does not guarantee, the correctness or the completeness of the information. The calculations and assumptions included in the information do not necessarily take into account all the factors that could be relevant in a particular case. Information herein shall not be construed as a guarantee or warranty of the performance of any Wärtsilä technology, equipment or installation.

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Design your own power plant

Curious to find out what kind of power plant is optimal for your needs? Our interactive Power plant designer is here to assist you. How it works:

  • Select your desired output range
  • Choose your fuel type
  • Define your running profile

With just a few clicks, you'll receive a personalised recommendation for the most suitable engine and power plant type to meet your needs. Ready to unlock the potential of your next power plant? Dive into the experience and get started now

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