Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has declared it will invest in UK-headquartered Carnot, which says it has developed advanced technical materials and an innovative engine design that radically boosts engine efficiency.
Modern engines typically operate at about 35% thermal efficiency, Carnot says, adding that is new technology and design can achieve 70% thermal efficiency!
Carnot says that a traditional engine will dissipate about one third of its fuel energy into the cooling system. Carnot uses some kind of technical ceramic, which enables it to eliminate the cooling system thereby allowing the engine to use that one-third of energy as power.
Carnot has trialed the system on marine auxiliary engines using a containerised configuration mounted on the bow and using an ammonia / hydrogen fuel blend.
“We proved it was possible to develop a net zero emissions whilst costing less than diesel equivalent,” Carnot says, adding that later in its development, it will move into main propulsion systems.
MOL adds that steel and aluminium engines require constant cooling to prevent overheating, which reduces performance and increases the risk of engine failure. MOL commented that the Carnot engine has the potential to improve fuel efficiency by 20% to 40%, compared to conventional engines.
“Based on the results of demonstration tests and the feasibility of this technology, MOL will consider applying it to its fleet of merchant vessels in the future,” MOL says.
