The circumstances for a gas trip on a dual-fuel propelled ship
A research into the operational conditions for dual-fuel operationsThe circumstances for a gas trip on a dual-fuel propelled ship
A research into the operational conditions for dual-fuel operationsSamenvatting
In this research paper, it was concluded that there still remains a lot of uncertainty in the predicament of when a gas-trip can occur on dual-fuel propelled ships. In a situation on board of the Coral Energy, these gas-trips resulted in the main engine not being able to switch-over to gas-mode again. This in turn resulted in an increased diesel consumption from 180 liters to 25000 liters per day. These situations can result in an increase of operational costs of the vessel. When the crew is able to predict when these situations will occur, then this problem can be avoided. Therefore, the following main question was being adopted:
“Under which operational conditions does a gas-trip occur on the Coral Energy”
The research was conducted by means of a quantitative research method, using a descriptive and correlational research approach to determine what the current status of a variable is and if a correlation between variables exists, The observations of load percentage values, maximum peak pressures and ship’s motions respectively were conducted by means of the Wärtsilä Operator Information system and a sling method. The descriptive research approach utilized a Monte-Carlo simulation to increase the number of results regarding maximum peak pressures and load percentage values to gain a better understanding of the average, minimum and maximum of the peak pressure and load percentage values of the main engine. The correlational research approach utilized a regression analysis in the form of a forecast sheet to determine if a relation exists between the ship’s motions and the sudden load increase.
The research showed that the maximum peak pressure were not the cause of the gas-trips. It also showed that the sudden load increase swings were the main cause of the gas-trips. A positive correlation between positive pitching motions, rolling to port and starboard was determined. Moreover, it was determined that most of the motions can cause a gas trip, provided that the main engine is operating at a certain initial load.
The conclusion on the main question can therefore be formed. A gas-trip on the Coral Energy occurs under influence of load increase swings. These load increase swings are mostly being caused by means of positive pitching motions and rolling motions over port.
The research is constricted by researching three variables in a limited timeframe. Moreover, the research is constricted by means of the regression analysis between pure pitching and rolling motions on the instant load increase, without considering the effect of a combination of motions on the load increase. Further research can include more variables, like turbocharge air pressure and automation delay etc. to gain a better insight in the sequence of events. Moreover, the timeframe of the observations can be prolonged to get more observations in different conditions so that a Monte-Carlo simulation is no longer needed.
Organisatie | HZ University of Applied Sciences |
Opleiding | Maritiem Officier |
Afdeling | Domein Technology, Water & Environment |
Partner | Anthony Veder, Rotterdam |
Datum | 2021-08-26 |
Type | Bachelor |
Taal | Engels |