Enhanced Marine Diesel Engine Performance and Component Durability Towboat Field Test and Evaluation (Thin Ceramic Coatings and Plateau Honed Silicon Carbide Impregnated Liners)

摘要

The report presents the test and evaluation results of thin ceramic coated combustion components and plateau honed silicon carbide impregnated cylinder liners as installed in an inland river towboat diesel engine covering a total of approximately 14,000 running hours. An eight (8) cylinder starboard engine was instrumented. Data was collected automatically by a computer driven data acquisition system. In addition to automatic data collecting, five (5) closely controlled tests were performed over the normal operating range of the engine. Prior to these tests, boroscopic inspections were done to assess the condition of the ceramic coatings and treated liners. Electronic combustion analyses were performed simultaneously with each closely controlled test. The test and evaluation resulted in an eleven (11) percent reduction in specific fuel consumption. Mechanical and thermal efficiencies showed an average improvement of ten (10) and five (5) percent, respectively, and maximum horsepower was eighteen (18) percent higher. After 14,000 running hours, the zirconia-based thermal barrier ceramic coated components were inspected and found to be in good condition and capable of more service while the silicon carbide impregnated liners were scuffed and unsuitable for further service.