Two major trends are fuelling a major resurgence in the development of low-speed marine engines - the application of new technologies and the continuing demands from the customers for such engines. The introduction of electronically-controlled systems for engine processes, such as fuel injection, valve operation, air starting and cylinder lubrication, has opened the way for completely new possibilities for engine operation. Electronically-controlled commonrail engines are already bringing various benefits including fuel consumption, emissions control, engine setting, waste heat recovery potential and vibration control. The paper begins with an overview of the introduction the RT-flex common-rail technology to the portfolio of Wärtsilä low-speed engines. Since the first RT-flex common-rail engine entered service in 2001, the portfolio has been extended to eight RT-flex engine types. The RT-flex50, RT-flex58T, RT-flex60C, RT- flex68-B, RT-flex84T-D and RT-flex96C engine types are in regular production, with the largest number of engines being of the RT-flex96C type. Production of these large-bore engines is being ramped up and includes the 14-cylinder engine of 80 MW output. The first RT-flex82C and RT-flex82T engines are due for delivery in 2008. At the same time, a moderate increase in mean effective pressures to 20 bar is being introduced with certain engine types where the additional power is necessary for ship design requirements. The paper also reviews more recent new technologies that are being introduced. The first ships with the new high-efficiency waste heat recovery plant have entered service with extremely good results. The engines are adapted to use air from outside the engine room, increasing the WHR power generated up to some 12% of main engine power without affecting engine reliability. The new electronically-controlled Pulse Lubricating System was introduced in 2006, opening the way for major reductions in cylinder oil feed rates. Design improvements have also been introduced under the heading of product care. New design measures for improved piston running are now being applied in the large-bore engines for better reliability. Main bearing improvements have also been implemented with good experience. In parallel, there is a continuous programme of research and advanced development activities to ensure technology leadership so as to offer the most appropriate benefits to ship owners and operators.


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    Title :

    Latest development of Wärtsilä low-speed engines to meet current and future customer demands


    Contributors:
    Heim, Klaus (author)


    Publication date :

    2007


    Size :

    13 Seiten, 20 Bilder, 9 Quellen


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Storage medium


    Language :

    English