Study of the Validation of the Application of Rankine Bottoming Cycle Technology to Marine Diesel Engines. Volume 1. Executive Summary

摘要

The application of Rankine Bottoming Cycle (RBC) technology to marine diesel engines in the US commercial maritime industry was evaluated on technical, environmental, and economic bases with emphasis on the energy conservation potential of near-term commercialization of RBC systems. In this volume, the study results are presented followed by a brief summary of the major task results. Among the results and conclusions are the following: the RBC economics are most favorable and indicate a discount rate of return on investment of about 25%; no environmental nor institutional barriers were identified; fuel savings of 50 million barrels by the year 2000 are forecast from implementation of RBC systems in the marine push-tow industry alone; RBC can be retrofitted on existing vessels or installed in new vessels with few technical obstacles; the market potential exists; and the successful completion of a one-year demonstration of the RBC installed in a push-tow boat engaged in normal revenue generating operations is the single most important requirement for RBC commercialization in the marine and other industries. (ERA citation 06:033484)