Liquefied Natural Gas Engine Room
Wärtsilä’s 3,365-horsepower 6L34DF genset (one of three onboard the Harvey Energy) is a four-stroke, dual-fuel engine that is turbocharged and electronically controlled, with each individual cylinder receiving a precisely calibrated fuel-air mixture. Engine speed is either 720 rpm or 750 rpm depending on whether 50 or 60 Hz is needed. The engine produces the same power output whether it operates on gas, diesel fuel, or both fuels simultaneously.
Read Fuel for Thought to learn more about Liquefied Natural Gas powered boats here. ▶
Liquefied Natural Gas Engine Room
Dual-fuel engines have injectors with two components, a small nozzle for so-called “pilot fuel” (diesel) and a large nozzle for the main fuel (either LNG or diesel). A minute amount of pilot fuel is ignited via compression and, in turn, ignites the LNG. Typically, during this process each cylinder is charged with more air than is necessary for combustion. This produces a very high compression ratio and facilitates efficient, clean operation.
Read Fuel for Thought to learn more about Liquefied Natural Gas powered boats here. ▶
Liquefied Natural Gas Engine Room
Dual-fuel engines from Wärtsilä can seamlessly switch back and forth between LNG and full-diesel operation. In LNG mode, fuel enters the cylinders in a gaseous form via a common-rail delivery system after passing through a filtration module that guarantees fuel cleanliness and a GVU (gas vaporization unit) that regulates pressure and provides a safe disconnect. When in diesel mode, the engine operates like a conventional diesel.
Read Fuel for Thought to learn more about Liquefied Natural Gas powered boats here. ▶
