MAN EcoCam further optimises slow-steaming concept
MAN Diesel & Turbo has introduced the MAN EcoCam as a retrofit solution for the low-load optimisation of its low-speed, mechanical engines with single turbochargers. The EcoCam offers significant fuel savings of 2 - 5 g/kW – with short payback times – and delivers an increased Pmax cylinder pressure through the adjustable exhaust-valve timing.
Christian Ludwig – Head of Retrofit & Upgrade – MAN Diesel & Turbo, said: “Slow-steaming is now an established industry standard across all segments, including the tanker and bulker markets, and MAN continuously seeks to further refine its technology and improve efficiency. The MAN EcoCam adjusts the exhaust-valve timing between 10 and 60% load, giving a 2 - 5 g/kW fuel saving with minimal to no interruption to a vessel's schedule during installation. . For smaller engines, this can result in a payback period of as little as 1½ years as is the case, for example, with a 6S50MC-C engine with 6,000 annual running hours.”
He concluded: “The MAN EcoCam has been thoroughly tested and we are happy that we are now able to provide our customers with a low-load tuning method for mechanically controlled engines with a single turbocharger.”
The EcoCam offers significant fuel savings of 2 – 5 g/kW – with short payback times.
Functionality
The MAN EcoCam introduces a flexible cam profile, called a virtual cam. The profile is controlled hydraulically by adjusting the amount of actuator oil in the hydraulic pushrod.
Low-load tuning has an impact on torsional vibration and NOx. When a low-load tuning method is installed on an engine, the torsional vibrations’ impact and the NOx level have to be taken into account to ensure that the vibrations’ impact is not harming the engine and that the NOx level is in compliance with IMO regulations.
The earlier closing of the exhaust valve provides a higher compression pressure, thereby delivering a higher combustion pressure and lower fuel-oil consumption. Flexible exhaust-valve timing has traditionally only been available to electronically controlled engines.
source / image: courtesy of MAN Diesel&Turbo