Potential for Energy Cost Reductions in 'Hamilton Class' Cutters through Fuel Modification

摘要

A review of all pertinent and available literature on the use of blended fuel and water-in-fuel emulsions in marine power plants was accomplished with special attention paid to the use of this technique with gas turbines. Telephone contact was made with the engineering officers on all of the available (in-port) 'Hamilton Class' cutters and 'Polar Class' icebreakers to determine the operating schedules of the gas turbines on these vessels as well as fuel consumption and maintenance history. The opinions of the engineering officers were solicited with respect to any special problems which may exist, either with the hardware or operations of the vessels that would act to prevent or impede the use of a water-in-fuel emulsion. A cost/benefit analysis was performed for the case of a blended fuel for the diesels and a water-in-blended fuel emulsion for the gas turbines. Conclusions are drawn on the feasibility of implementing these techniques on a 378-foot 'Hamilton Class' cutter summarizing the problems which would have to be overcome and the probability for success of such a project (Author)