GREEK SECTION: REPORT ON THE NOVEMBER 21st, 2013, TECHNICAL MEETING
by Lambros Kaiktsis and Sofia Iliogrammenou
Topic: “Current trends in the development of large two-stroke marine diesel engines in the light of significantly changing market requirements and environmental regulations”
On September 21st, 2013, the Greek Section had its 3rd Technical Meeting for the 2013-2014 season. In the presence of a good audience of 69 members and 13 non-members, including a high number of students of the National Technical University of Athens and the Technological Educational Institute of Athens, Dr. German Weisser, Senior Manager, Engine Performance, at Wärtsilä Switzerland, presented the above topic.
The presentation of Dr. Weisser addressed several issues related to the current trends in the development of large two-stroke marine engines. First, the speaker set the regulatory framework, by referring to the upcoming Tier III regulations for nitric oxide emissions (NOx), the regulations on the fuel sulfur content, as well as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). Next, the speaker elaborated on the current market needs, and emphasized the need for retrofit solutions for slow steaming. He then presented a number of corresponding retrofit solutions, emphasizing on the thermodynamics of single- and multiple-turbocharger deactivation. Subsequently, he explained the essentials of a new series of two-stroke marine diesel engines. Later, he introduced the operation concept of dual-fuel two-stroke marine engines of Wärtsilä Switzerland, and highlighted the advantage of introducing gas at low pressure in the gas mode operation (with natural gas as fuel, ignited by a pilot injection of diesel or Heavy Fuel Oil). The speaker also elaborated on solutions for emissions reduction, and in particular for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). Finally, he presented some results of experiments in a novel spray combustion chamber, for conditions representative of large two-stroke marine diesel engines.
The seminar was followed by questions to the speaker and an interesting discussion on the topics addressed by the presentation. Main issues discussed were: (a) the time required for testing dual-fuel marine engines before releasing them to the market, (b) the potential of bio-fuels for marine engines, (c) the capabilities of common rail injection systems, and (d) the use of pre-chambers for pilot injection in dual-fuel engines, for operation in the gas mode. The meeting was concluded with the traditional reception of the local section in an adjacent hall of the MARAN Tankers Management building.
(from left to right ):
L. Kaiksis, Papers Committee Chairman; A. Papanikolaou, Chairman, G.Weisser, Author; P. Lalangas, Secretary / Treasurer.
the presentation can be found below
Presentation, Weisser, 21 Nov. 2013.pdf