Oceans Can Breathe With Greener Tech in Marine Engines

Nov 6
08:45

2015

Rosario Berry

Rosario Berry

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Marine engines that are becoming more eco-friendly and safer to operate are in high demand. Generally fitted to merchant ships, freighters and tankers, these engines are being refined through better engine part manufacturing processes. Advancements in related technologies have meant higher standards of environmental consideration are being met by concerned manufacturers. This will have lasting benefits to our ecosystem as a whole.

mediaimage

Precise Processing

 

Precision control is manifest in multiple industries. The more computers are integrated into previously mechanical processes,Oceans Can Breathe With Greener Tech in Marine Engines Articles the more precision capacity is increased. Marine engine parts are now being produced using advanced tooling systems that make it easier to detect faults and eliminate errors. Parts that operate smoothly and with better fuel control and economy are changing the negative impact of engines used in our oceans.

 

Quality Control in Marine Engines

 

Building marine engines involves a complex set of processes. Each engine part is manufactured to set standards to meet recognized goals of productivity and efficiency. Certain companies have become household names in the production of quality ship engine parts because of their stringent focus on quality control measures. Through this focus, the reliability, endurance and appearance of each part is assured.

 

Low Speed Diesel Engines

 

Large, low speed diesel engines are most commonly used to power ships. Marine engines are two-stroke engines with power outputs of up to about 85 MW or 114,000 horse power. In terms of size, these engines can weigh more than 1,800 tons and reach a height of 15 meters. Able to run on low-grade fuels, low speed engines of this type offer a cost-effective way to power large ocean going vessels.

 

Running on Hybrid Power

 

The steady deterioration of our planet and its oceans has reached epic proportions. Nitrogen dioxide and sulfur oxide regularly discharged from ships is under enforced regulation in the hope that levels will be greatly reduced. Marine engines running on hybrid power and associated practices like the “hour of power” where a conventional vessel runs for an hour on battery electric power are the beginnings of transformation in eco-friendly ship propulsion.

 

Innovative Propulsion Systems

 

Along with serial and parallel hybrid power systems, innovations like the “hour of power” are showing that vessels can operate with improved fuel consumption and reduce emissions. Engine life and maintenance periods are also being extended. Innovation in parts manufacturing is vital in producing marine engines that run well with less impact on our oceans.

 

Using Renewable Energy Sources

 

Marine engines that use renewable energy sources like solar power fed into cells and batteries are a key to our oceans becoming cleaner. Lithium ion batteries are becoming viable alternatives to diesel. Since advances were made in the use of hybrid power in the automotive sector, ship engine builders along with some of their licensed part manufacturers are developing similar ecologically sound options.