Diesel-engine preferences and the importance of supporting systems

Which medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines did the panel favor?

Preferences include Caterpillar, Wärtsilä for marine power, and Volvo for road vehicles. The technical emphasis is on injectors, intake, and configuration around a mature rotating assembly.

Dr. Clarke favours Wärtsilä marine diesels based on experience working on them, and also recalls working on Volvo engines in road vehicles. Caterpillar is another personal preference among the panel. Modern diesel rotating assemblies are described as mature technology with relatively little variation. Injectors, air intakes, and the equipment arranged around the core engine account for more of the remaining differences. These are experience-based preferences, without a comprehensive comparison of manufacturers.