Cat Unveils MaK M 25 E Platform
Caterpillar Marine launched the MaK M 25 E engine platform at SMM, an engine platform developed for state-of-the-art vessel designs with an emphasis on fuel savings. Key product features include optimized engine performance as well as an efficient part load range, which the manufacturer boasts can help to save up to 40 tons of fuel a year when operating vessels at variable engine speeds. Vessels typically operating at lower loads can save up to 60 tons of fuel per year by changing the operating mode from constant to variable engine speed. The M 25 E will be available to order in fourth quarter 2014 and is targeted to the offshore and coastal cargo vessels segments. The M 25 E will be available in 6, 8 and 9 cylinder configurations offering ratings between 2,100 kW and 3,150 kW at 720 and 750 rpm.
By combining a set of technologies such as Flexible Camshaft, Waste Gate Technology and Cylinder Bypass Valve, Caterpillar Marine engineers designed engine ratings to support varied operational profiles of vessels at the lowest smoke emissions while supporting the installation of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for the lowest NOx emissions at the same time.
The engine is suited for vessels where the hull and propeller have been optimized for the lowest operational costs at cruising speeds as well as for vessels where customers have elected to lower operational fuel costs by utilizing selected load profiles in combination with the most efficient engine speed. Equipped with the new Modular Alarm and Control System (MACS) the M 25 E also supports remote condition monitoring and diagnostic maintenance programs.
Caterpillar Marine also introduced optional part load kits for the MaK M 32 E platform. Developed for offshore vessels, the M 32 E part load kits are available for both constant speed and variable speed operations. Both kits combine lowest possible fuel consumption in part load range with highest possible power output at full load.
Offshore vessel applications typically encounter a significant period during their lifetime where they have limited power demand from the engines. Operating in stand-by or dynamic positioning mode often requires the use of multiple engines in combination with low power consumption, resulting in low load operation of two or three engines at the same time. The part load kits enables all vessels operating M 32 E engines primarily in the part load range improved fuel efficiency, load acceptance and reduced smoke.
The constant speed part load kit for M 32 E offers fuel savings up to 10 g/kWh with a 3x33% load step capability. The kit includes the proven Flexible Camshaft Technology and an intelligent control software integrated into the new Modular Alarm Control and Safety (MACS) System.
The variable speed part load kit for M 32 E is based on the constant speed part load kit with the same improvements but with increased fuel savings up to 24 g/kWh. The variable speed kit is able to achieve reduced fuel consumption as a result of the reduced engine speed at lower loads. Key components in the variable speed part load kit include a modified turbocharger, a cylinder bypass valve and waste gate.
New Power Ratings for C175 Platform
Caterpillar Marine also unveiled new power ratings for the Cat C175 propulsion engine for commercial vessels at SMM. Designed specifically as a high speed power solution for commercial applications including ocean going and harbor tugs, the C175-16 propulsion engine is now available with ratings of 2,239-2,550 bkW at 1,800 rpm. The new ratings extend Caterpillar Marine’s high-speed engine power range beyond the company’s already industry-leading 3516C-HD engine. Cat C175 engine platforms with the new ratings are available to order now from the global Cat dealer network.
Suited for large, high speed commercial vessels, the C175 engine uses ACERT to optimize turbocharging and aftercooling. The engine also features the Cat common rail fuel system enabling low emissions at all levels and requires no after treatment to comply with regulations. With a bore of 175 mm (6.9 in) and a stroke of 220 mm (8.66 in), Caterpillar said the C175-16 is highly efficient while providing increased propulsion output in a high speed engine platform.
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(As published in the October 2014 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News - http://magazines.marinelink.com/Magazines/MaritimeReporter)