Caterpillar Launches Diesel Electric Propulsion Engines
The latest step in the evolution of Caterpillar‘s the Cat 3500 engine line is the launch of the Cat 3512C and 3516C Diesel Electric Propulsion (DEP) engines to better meet critical customer requirements and further the commitment by Caterpillar to sustainable development. Available for a variety of commercial applications and megayachts, the DEP engines meet EPA Tier 2 and IMO Tier I regulations.
The constant-speed DEP engines offer the latest in EUI fuel system capabilities and state-of-the-art ADEM A3 Electronic Control Units (ECU). The vee-12, 4-stroke 3512C engines are available at 1360 ekW, 1550 ekW, and 1700 ekW, and the vee-16, 4-stroke 3516C engines are available at both 2000 ekW and 2250 ekW. All engine ratings are certified to the E2 emissions cycle. The electronic ‘power station’ concept creates efficiencies between the control units, unit injectors, instrumentation and displays to perfectly balance power supply, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions at any given load.
The emission levels achieved with DEP engines enable shipping companies to obtain special environmental certification with the Marine Classification Societies, such as DNV Clean Design, GL Green Passport, LR Character N or the German Government’s Blauer Engel. These environmental classes not only add to the vessel owner’s image but also reduce harbour fees in some parts of the world.
Since launching earlier this year, Cat dealers have received increasing interest in the diesel electric option because they can provide all necessary components to develop a turn-key solution, including transfer switches and switchboards. The Edison Chouest Offshore family of companies has already announced plans to design and build a series of deepwater diesel-electric offshore supply vessels. Cat engines will power the 300-ft, 5,300 DWT vessels with 4x 3512C DEP 1700 ekW engines powering two 2500kW variable speed electric motors and a range of thrusters motors. These vessels are scheduled for completion in 2010.
Louisiana Machinery Power Systems, the local Cat marine engine sales and servicing dealer in the New Orleans area, will provide a look at the 3512C Diesel Electric Propulsion engine at the Caterpillar booth at the 2009 International WorkBoat Show.