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Major advantages of Wartsila Crankshaft in Marine Engines

What is a Wartsila crankshaft:

A Wartsila crankshaft is a shaft that is driven by a crank mechanism and is made up of a series of cranks and crankpins to which the engine's connecting rods are attached.

The Wartsila crankshaft is the first of a new generation of medium-speed engines that are designed to set new standards for efficiency and emissions.

The Wartsila crankshaft RT-flex96C is a two-stroke turbocharged low-speed diesel engine developed by Wartsila of Finland. A lot of heavy fuel oil is used in large container ships. Over 2,300 tonnes of weight and 80,080 kW are generated by its largest 14-cylinder version, which stands 13.5 metres tall and 26.59 metres long (87 feet) (107,390 horsepower). The engine is the world's largest reciprocating engine.



Wartsila Crankshaft in Marine Engines
Major advantages of Wartsila Crankshaft in Marine Engines


The 14-cylinder version made its commercial debut aboard the Emma Mrsk in September 2006. Similar to the RTA96C engine, it uses common rail technology instead of the RTA96C's design(the traditional camshaft, chain gear and fuel pump are replaced with a new hydraulic actuator system). This allows for maximum performance at lower revolutions per minute (rpm), while also lowering fuel consumption and harmful emissions.

Leading Products of Wartsila crankshaft:


This diesel engine is a piston-cylinder device with intermittent combustion. It can run on a two-stroke or four-stroke engine. On the other hand, unlike a gasoline engine with spark ignition, the diesel engine only injects air into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke. Compression ratios in diesel engines are typically in the range of 14:1 to 22:1. Engines with bores (cylinder diameters) less than 600 mm can have both two-stroke and four-stroke diesel engine cycles. Two-stroke cycles are almost exclusively used in engines with bores greater than 600 mm.


Major advantages of Wartsila Crankshaft in Marine Engines:

Diesel engine spares power everything from trains and cranes to bulldozers and submarines and is the most frequently utilised fuel-burning engine today. They are simpler, more efficient, and cost-effective than gasoline engines. They're also safer than gasoline because diesel fuel is less volatile and its vapour is less explosive. They are ideal for use in freight-hauling ships, trucks, buses, and locomotives because, unlike gasoline engines, they are particularly good at moving large loads at low speeds.


The parts of a diesel engine must withstand far greater stresses and strains than those of a gasoline engine due to the higher compression. That's why diesel engines have to be bigger and heavier, and why they've only been used to power large vehicles and machines for so long. While this may appear to be a disadvantage, diesel engines are typically more durable and last significantly longer than gasoline engines.



Wartsila Crankshaft
Wartsila Crankshaft in Marine Engines


Advantages of Wartsila Crankshafts:

  • Throughout the vessel's lifecycle, the Wartsila crankshaft 31 maintains its high efficiency and environmental values.

  • Over a wide operating range, the lowest fuel consumption is achieved.

  • With 610 kW/cylinder, it has the highest cylinder power in its segment.

  • Diesel, Dual Fuel (DF), and Pure Gas (SG) versions are all available.

  • When running on gas, it complies with the upcoming IMO Tier 3 regulations, and when running on diesel, it does so with an SCR. Fuel consumption is minimally affected by the SCR.

  • Wartsila's vast manufacturing experience and extensive validation ensure reliability.

  • Wartsila's extensive global service network backs it up.

  • The diesel engines from Wartsila crankshaft have overcome the disadvantages of earlier models, such as increased noise and maintenance costs. When compared to gas engines of similar size, they are now quieter and require less maintenance.

  • They are more durable and dependable.

  • The fuel self-ignites, so there is no sparking. Maintenance costs are reduced because there are no spark plugs or spark wires.

  • The cost of fuel per kilowatt produced is 30% to 50% less than that of gas engines.

  • A 1800 rpm water-cooled diesel engine can run for 12,000 to 30,000 hours before requiring major maintenance. Before it needs to be serviced, an 1800 rpm water cooled gas unit usually runs for 6000-10,000 hours.

  • Because gas units burn hotter than diesel units, their lifespan is significantly reduced when compared to diesel units.

Conclusion:

The Wartsila crankshaft comes in eight to sixteen cylinder configurations, with power outputs ranging from 4.7 to 9.8 MW at 720 and 750 rpm. The Wartsila crankshaft 31 is a four-stroke engine that offers the best fuel economy of any engine in its class. At the same time, it delivers exceptional results across the entire operating range. Its modular design allows for significant reductions in maintenance time and costs, resulting in increased power availability and fewer Marine engine spare parts requirements. The Wartsila crankshaft 31 is the world's most efficient 4-stroke diesel engine, according to Guinness World Records.

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