The Wärtsilä RT-flex96C is a two-stroke turbocharged low-speed diesel engine designed by the Finnish manufacturer Wärtsilä. It is currently considered the largest reciprocating engine in the world, designed for large container ships, running on heavy fuel oil. It stands 13.5 meters high, is 26.59 m long, and weighs over 2300 tonnes in its largest 14-cylinder version – producing 80080 kW.
The 14-cylinder version was put into service in September 2006 aboard the Emma Mærsk. The design is based on the older RTA96C engine but revolutionary common rail technology has done away with the traditional camshaft, chain gear, fuel pumps and hydraulic actuators. The result is better performance at low revolutions per minute, lower fuel consumption, and lower harmful emissions.
Wartsila.
The engine has crosshead bearings so that the always vertical piston rod allows a tight seal under the piston. As a consequence of this design the lubrication of the engine is split, with different lubricants for the cylinders and the crankcase, with each being specialized and dedicated to their role. The cylinders are lubricated by continual, timed injection of consumable lubricant which is formulated to protect the cylinders from wear and neutralize the acids formed during combustion of the high-sulfur fuels commonly used. The crosshead design reduces sideways forces on the piston, keeping cylinder liner wear in the order of only about 0.03 mm per 1000 hours.
Fuel consumption at maximum power is 0.278 lbs per hp per hour (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption). Fuel consumption at maximum economy is 0.260 lbs/hp/hour. At maximum economy the engine exceeds 50 percent thermal efficiency. That is, more than 50 percent of the energy in the fuel is converted to motion.
(Thank you Bill Ponter for bringing this amazing engine to my attention.)
