Genset engine developed for variable speed diesel electric power

The company says that existing ratings of the 50 litre engine can be used for variable speed diesel electric (VSDE) applications, but the new rating, of 2,183bhp at 1,800rpm, has been optimised specifically for variable speed applications, by providing maximum fuel efficiency at all operating points. According to Cummins, it will be possible to achieve further efficiency gains via the power management system, and additional ratings optimised for VSDE will be offered over the coming months. At launch, all ratings will meet IMO Tier II emissions at the ISO E2 and E3 test cycles. The new rating is in addition to the existing range of QSK50 applications, for traditional propulsion and power generation, as well as fixed speed diesel electric applications.

Cummins says that since entering the diesel electric market in 2004, and introducing the QSK50 in 2006, it has built up considerable experience from over 900 diesel electric gensets in operation globally, which it is building on to take diesel electric technology to the next level. The new VSDE ratings are said to be suited to low-load applications such as offshore support vessels, ferries and passenger ships.

According to Cummins, VSDE makes use of the DC component to allow the engines to operate at variable speed, eliminating the need for paralleling gensets. Results from early trials by system integrators are said to show significantly reduced fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions and lower system weight for the complete VSDE package compared to fixed speed diesel electric applications; while Cummins cites reduced maintenance costs and increased engine durability as additional expected benefits.

The QSK50 features an electronic fuel system and a redesigned exhaust system for increased reliability and durability. The air handling system is designed to deliver better transient response while improving fuel consumption. Among options intended to help reduce maintenance and downtime, are the Centinel oil management system which can increase time between, or even eliminate, oil changes, and the Eliminator lube oil filter to replace disposable spin-on filters. As with all of the Cummins Quantum engine family, the QSK50 VSDE is compatible with the C Command monitoring and display systems which log critical operating parameters while providing diagnostic capabilities.

“Cummins will play a critical role in the advancement of this more efficient technology, supplying engines to system integrators for packaging into complete variable speed diesel electric packages,” said Waldemar Marchetti, director of strategic growth, offshore. “We will continue to expand our product line, skills and capabilities, working with partner suppliers to design customized packages utilising the latest technology.”

The company offers a one-year warranty and a global service network with over 600 distributors and 6,500 dealer locations. “The global support of offshore diesel electric vessels is uniquely challenging as a result of complex integrated systems, remote operating locations and availability of qualified, trained engineers,” said Scott Rath, North America sales manager, Cummins Marine. “Cummins works with customers to create a comprehensive customer support plan that details global support, spare engine and alternator programs, and global parts availability as required by the customer. We’ve developed a network of diesel electric service specialists with the ability to be dispatched 24/7/365 worldwide.”