Weichai Wins National Science and Technology Award for Diesel Engine Technology

Weichai has received the Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award for its project on “Key Technologies and Applications of High-Performance Diesel Engines,” recognizing the company’s breakthroughs in advanced diesel engine technologies.

The award was presented during the National Science and Technology Awards Conference, the General Assembly of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering Academicians, and the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology, held at the Great Hall of the People.

Led by Weichai and jointly developed with six partners, including Tianjin University, GRIPM Advanced Materials Co., Ltd., and Shandong University, the project was supported by national research platforms such as the National Key Laboratory of Internal Combustion Engine and Power System.

The project focused on overcoming major challenges in diesel engine development and successfully delivered a new generation of high-performance diesel engines with fully independent intellectual property rights. The technology achieved major breakthroughs in engine reliability, durability, thermal efficiency, and ultra-low emissions, strengthening China’s independent capabilities in key heavy-duty engine technologies.

Advancing Diesel Engine Technology Through Key Breakthroughs

Diesel engines remain a critical power source for commercial vehicles, construction machinery, agricultural equipment, and marine applications, playing an important role in economic development and energy security.

However, improving reliability, fuel efficiency, and emissions performance simultaneously has long been a major challenge for the global internal combustion engine industry. The complex interaction between combustion processes, mechanical systems, and emissions control technologies has limited further improvements in engine performance.

In China, diesel engines account for more than 70% of diesel consumption and more than 50% of NOx emissions. Improving diesel engine efficiency and reducing emissions are therefore essential for energy conservation, carbon reduction, and industrial upgrading.

To improve engine durability, Weichai’s research team conducted in-depth studies on component wear mechanisms and developed a series of innovative technologies, including piston ring pressure reduction, low-wear valve systems, zoned cylinder liner lubrication, and optimized piston designs.

These technologies significantly reduced component wear and extended engine service life, enabling Weichai engines to achieve a B10 lifetime exceeding 2 million kilometers, reaching a world-leading level.

In terms of fuel efficiency, Weichai developed advanced combustion and air management technologies, including dual main injection combustion, high-efficiency low-resistance air exchange, and staged combustion technologies.

Through continuous innovation, Weichai became the first company in the world to achieve diesel engine thermal efficiency exceeding 50% and 51%. The company further improved thermal efficiency to 53.09%, while reducing minimum fuel consumption to 165g/(kW·h).

Higher thermal efficiency also created greater challenges for emissions control. To address these challenges, Weichai developed a range of advanced technologies, including efficient ammonia storage control, new SCR catalyst systems, high-efficiency mixing technologies, and advanced particulate capture solutions.

These technologies reduced NOx and particulate emissions by 51% and 62%, respectively, compared with leading international competitors. The engines achieved ultra-low emissions throughout their lifecycle and became among the first heavy-duty diesel engines in China to meet the strict China VI emission standards.

After more than a decade of research and development, Weichai achieved simultaneous improvements in three key areas: reliability, thermal efficiency, and emissions performance. According to expert evaluations, the overall technology level of Weichai’s new-generation high-performance diesel engines has reached an internationally leading standard.

Innovation Supports Commercialization and Global Expansion

As a leading company in China’s power equipment industry, Weichai has established a comprehensive innovation system covering independent research, global collaboration, craftsmanship, and fundamental technology development.

In recent years, Weichai’s engine business has invested more than RMB 30 billion annually in R&D, focusing on advanced technologies and future power solutions.

During the development of the award-winning project, Weichai worked with universities and research institutions to build a complete innovation chain covering basic research, technology development, and commercial applications.

The project has resulted in 78 authorized invention patents and contributed to the development of 14 national and industry standards, further enhancing China’s influence in the global internal combustion engine sector.

Thanks to its strong innovation capabilities, Weichai’s new-generation high-performance diesel engines have achieved large-scale production and market application.

Over the past three years, cumulative sales of these engines have reached 923,000 units, with applications covering heavy-duty trucks, medium and large buses, mining vehicles, and construction machinery. The products have maintained a leading position in China’s market.

With their high performance, reliability, and low-emission advantages, Weichai engines have also expanded into overseas markets, including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. More than 300,000 units have been exported over the past three years, accelerating the global expansion of Chinese power technologies.

Supporting Green Development Through Energy Efficiency

The widespread adoption of Weichai’s high-performance diesel engines has delivered significant environmental benefits.

Based on real-world operating data from the past three years, these engines have helped save approximately 4.926 million tons of fuel annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 15.517 million tons and NOx emissions by approximately 1.43 million tons.

These results provide important support for China’s carbon reduction goals and green development initiatives.

The latest award represents another recognition of Weichai’s long-term commitment to technological innovation.

Over the years, Weichai has continued to advance internal combustion engine technology, including the development of China’s first fully independently developed Lanqing high-power Euro III engine, the world’s first heavy-duty commercial vehicle powertrain, and multiple breakthroughs in global diesel engine thermal efficiency records.

To date, Weichai has received 10 National Science and Technology Awards, including one first prize and seven second prizes. The company has secured 13,558 authorized patents, including 5,568 invention patents.

Looking ahead, Weichai said it will continue advancing its strategy of internationalization, premium development, cleaner technologies, and intelligent solutions. The company will focus on further breakthroughs in core technologies and accelerate the commercialization of independent innovations, supporting China’s manufacturing transformation and green development.

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