MAN’s 49/60DF engine ushered in a new generation of engine control

MAN ES says the 49/60DF engine family’s automation system, SaCoS 5000, is prepared for the digital future and is a development that follows on from its cyber security, software-as-a-service and augmented reality support.

The SaCoS automation system was a design feature from the beginning. SaCoS 5000 builds on to existing functionality by adding the flexibility to adapt to different engines. It has higher and scalable CPU performance to handle increasingly sophisticated combustion control algorithms, and the hardware can be retrofitted to engines with SaCoS_one automation.

A modular approach was taken to sensors and software, and the user interface is modernised. Cyber security is inherent in the design with control modules having the hardware to implement cryptographic protection. The IEC 62443 standard is met and functionality includes a newly developed data gateway to enable over-the-air software updates.

The system partitions the engine control from the engine room control automation to allow for individual optimisation such as high availability for the engine control. The engine room control system is used exclusively off-engine in the control cabinets and can be adapted to customer needs without the need for change in the core engine control and the subsequent re-testing this would otherwise require.

The high performance of the engine has been achieved through technology such as advanced two-stage turbocharging, Common Rail 2.2, three-point variable inlet valve timing, and Adaptive Combustion Control 2.0. The engine also retains proven MAN technologies such as the gas-injection system, pilot-fuel-oil system and MAN SCR system.

MAN announced the launch of the 49/60DF at the 2022 SMM trade fair in Hamburg, and the engine is capable of running on LNG, diesel and HFO as well as a number of more sustainable fuels including biofuel blends and synthetic natural gas. The engine can operate and even start in gas mode where it complies with IMO Tier III without exhaust gas after-treatment. In diesel mode, it complies with Tier III when combined with MAN’s SCR system. The new engine is also methanol-ready.