The latest step in the evolution of the Cat® 3500 engine line is the launch of the Cat 3512C and 3516C Diesel Electric Propulsion (DEP) engines, to better meet critical customer requirements and further the commitment by Caterpillar to sustainable development.
Available for a variety of commercial applications and megayachts, the DEP engines build on the proven reliability and durability of the 3500 engine platform while meeting EPA Tier 2 and IMO Tier I regulations.
The constant-speed DEP engines offer the latest in EUI fuel system capabilities and state-of-the-art ADEMTM A3 Electronic Control Units (ECU). The vee-12, 4-stroke 3512C engines are available at 1360ekW, 1550ekW, and 1700ekW, and the vee-16, 4-stroke 3516C engines are available at both 2000ekW and 2250ekW. All engine ratings are certified to the E2 emissions cycle. The electronic 'power station' concept creates efficiencies between the control units, unit injectors, instrumentation and displays to perfectly balance power supply, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions at any given load.
There are many advantages to diesel electric propulsion engines: additional safety of operators, lower noise and vibration levels, and driving efficiencies by leveraging electronic technology and the overall system design. However, the largest benefit of the diesel electric power plant may be the redundancy of the engine power generation because the diesel electric engines are turned on only as they are needed. So if an engine is lost, there is still enough power generated to provide power for shaft lines and vessel electronics.
Additionally, the EUI fuel system capabilities and ADEM ECU deliver more available power while achieving outstanding fuel efficiency. In terms of maintenance, the time between overhaul is increased as DEP engines are not always running at full load there is no physical contact with propeller and engine. These features mean the overall cost and maintenance is reduced for the vessel owner – putting more focus on the voyage ahead and less worry about the operation of the engines.
The DEP engines can also help reduce the environmental footprint of the vessel. Electronic power generation presents a clear advantage over traditional diesel counterparts by drastically reducing the CO2 emissions as a result of efficiency gains from better power and load management.
Since launching earlier this year, Cat dealers have received increasing interest in the diesel electric option because they can provide all necessary components to develop a turnkey solution, including transfer switches and switchboards.
