Upgraded Wärtsilä RT-flex68-D IMO Tier II Compliant
The first upgraded Wärtsilä RT-flex68-D engine equipped with a variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger was successfully tested at Doosan Engine Co Ltd in South Korea. It is fully compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Tier II regulations. The tested engine is the first of eight for Chinese owner at a Chinese shipyard. The engine has a contracted maximum continuous power of 21,910 kW at 95 rpm.
The engine has a slimmer outline to better suit installation requirements for container ships. Moreover, the engine provides extended flexibility over a broader load range when equipped with a VTG turbocharger. The main objective in upgrading this particular engine has been to reduce the width of the engine to suit container ships with hulls having fine after-body lines. This is achieved primarily by introducing a simplified supply unit and a new design for the scavenge air receiver, as well as RT-flex components. This offers also improved engine maintenance. The greater commonality of parts with other engine types reduces both component costs and the spares inventory. Components were also made more manufacturing-friendly. In implementing these modifications, there has been no compromise on safety and reliability.
Better BSFC
The RT-flex electronic control system, in combination with the VTG turbocharger, enables more efficient operation and a better brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) over an extended load range. Thus, the engine complies with the latest IMO Tier II emission regulations, whilst having at the same time highly competitive fuel consumption.
“With this development, Wärtsilä is able to offer a technological solution for lowering emission levels from marine engines, whilst at the same time offering a cost effective product. This is in line with our efforts to enhance sustainable shipping, and we see great demand for it in the current market”, says Mr Anders Eklund, Director, Product Engineering in Product Centre 2-stroke, Wärtsilä Industrial Operations.