A new European research project, held in Copenhagen, Germany resulted in constructing an unique ship's engine which is powered both by liquefied natural gas and diesel.
An immediate consequence of the implementation of this new type of engines into marine industry is a reduction of carbon emissions and nitrogen oxides.
According to the scientists involved in the project, when it refers to the operation of the new engine, the innovation does not differ from a normal diesel engine, but the operators should monitor extra screens to follow the the operation panel and press gas when necessary.
Video: euronews Knowledge
In his statement, Michael Johnsen Kryger, a mechanical engineer with MAN Diesel & Turbo, explained that the biggest challenge while working on the project was to design new Eco-friendly, safe and reliable components from completely new materials which to be able to work with gas under pressure of about 300 bars.
Design of the engine is also considered to give on time information for any possible gas leakages. A double wall consisting of 2 pipes-inner and outer one, makes it possible in the same time to be monitored the flow of the gas and to be detected any possible cracks in the system.
Johan Fredrik Hult, an optical engineer with MAN Diesel & Turbo spoke about the challenges the team met while testing this new sophisticated system. He explained that to receive a better understanding of what was happening inside the engine there were used high speed cameras and an endoscope,which made it possible the work of the engine to be optimized.
Though for the moment situation is a win-win one, both for Eco-organizations and marine industry, still there is a lot to be done in this niche. Engineers believe an engine working with 100% natural gas is absolutely possible, only time is needed to be solved some issues related supply systems and hunkering systems, so they look ahead for new challenges.
Currently buyers are convinced that the new engine is a smart investment which will pay off, considering the rising number of regulations and environment protection restrictions, business meets on a daily base. An evidence of this is the fact that over 100 of the new engines have already been sold and implemented into work.