The parts involved are mainly fuel pumps with a larger driving piston diameter (servo-piston) that can deliver a higher injection pressure than originally plannedand some parts in the exhaust valve driving system. These components are currently being manufactured and will be fitted at the first given opportunity.
In consideration of the vessel's service schedule, it is planned to start the actual operation with computer controlled fuel injection and exhaust valve actuation systems - as the world's first full scale 'Intelligent' marine engine in service - in the late summer of this year. A long-term test will subsequently be conducted over some 10,000 operating hours to confirm the efficient and reliable operation of both the IE systems and the engine.
5. COMMERCIALISATION OF THE INTELLIGENT ENGINE
Last year, two V-Max class ULCCs were ordered at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea for delivery in first-half of 2001, each with two 7S60ME-C engines, the 'Intelligent Engine' version of the well-established 7S60MC-C engine.
As a result of the previously mentioned delays in the development of the control software, and in order to ensure that the vessels are delivered on time, it has been agreed to make provision for conventional operation during the initial service period of the two vessels. The engines will be delivered prepared for later conversion to the 7S60ME-C version and will have the PMI On-line cylinder pressure measuring system, the CoCoS-EDS engine diagnosis systems, the CoCoS-MPS maintenance planning system and the electronic cylinder lubrication system in operation from the outset
This will allow time to gain appropriate service experience with M/T Bow Cecil. Subsequently, the engines will be converted to proper 7S60ME-C 'Intelligent' engines during the scheduled docking of the vessels. At that time, the conventional camshaft system will be removed and replaced by the IE systems, which will utilise the existing camshaft housing as oil pan and foundation.
6. CONCLUSION
The introduction of electronics is one way of ensuring increased functionality while reducing mechanical complexity. We foresee an increasing need for electronic software and hardware to sustain the reliability and environmental friendliness of conventional engine designs. We are convinced that computer controlled 'Intelligent Engines' will take over an increasing share of the market for large marine diesel engines similar to what has been seen in the automotive engine field in recent years.
7. REFERENCES
[1] Pealersen, P.S., 'Development towards the Intelligent Engine'. 16th Marine Propulsion Conference, London 10-11 March 1994. Proceedings pp 77-88.
[2] Pedersen, P.S., 'Marine Propulsion Systems An Outlook', paper presented at the 2nd International Symposium Marine Propulsion Systems: Design and Operation, Athens 19-20 June 1997 (21 pages).
[3] Pedersen, P.S. & Grφne, O., 'Low Speed Engine Design Development'. 21th Marine Propulsion Conference, Athens 23-24 March 1999. Proceedings pp 7-27.
[4] 'The Intelligent Engine: Development Status and Prospects'. MAN B&W Diesel A/S, Company Publication P.360-99.09, 1999 (14 pages).
[5] Sφrensen, P. & Pealersen, P.S., 'The Intelligent Engine and Electronic Products A Development Status'. 22nd CIMAC Congress, Copenhagen 1998, Proceedings pp 551-564
[6] Pedersen, P.S. & Sφrensen, P., 'Computer Controlled Systems for Two Stroke Machinery (A Progress Report)', 22nd Marine Propulsion Conference, Amsterdam 29-30 March 2000. Proceedings pp 17-33.
