Computer aided study of the transient performances of a highly rated sequentially turbocharged marine diesel engine

Abstract

The sequential turbocharging technique described in this paper leads to an improvement in the operations of highly rated diesel engines, in particular at part loads (better air admission). However, transient phases such as a switch from one turbocharger to two turbochargers can be difficult, mainly because of the inertia of the turbochargers. In order to simulate the dynamics of turbocharged diesel engines, the SELENDIA software has been extended. When applied to two different engines (12 and 16 cylinders), the program shows good agreement with the experimental data. Moreover, the compressor surge has been investigated during faulty switch processes. The software has then been used for predictive studies to evaluate the possibility of adapting sequential turbocharging to a 20-cylinder engine and to calibrate the optimum switching conditions (air and gas valve opening timing).