MAIN ENGINe
Wrong VIT settings optimized for maximum efficiency
Performance monitoring identified suboptimal VIT settings, enabling fine-tuning for improved efficiency and reduced fuel use. The payback time was measured in minutes.
The chart shows engine performance with:
- Power on the horizontal axis
- SFOC (Specific Fuel Oil Consumption) on the vertical axis
Each data point represents average values over 10-minute intervals:
- Blue dots: operation on HFO
- Green dots: operation on DFO
The data highlights a clear shift in SFOC levels following corrective actions, demonstrating improved engine efficiency across the operating range.
BEFORE VIT TUNINGS
The chart highlights clear performance deviations under similar operating conditions. The increased fuel consumption points to suboptimal tuning or emerging technical issues, revealing a clear opportunity for improvement.
AFTER VIT TUNINGS
The chart indicates stable and efficient engine performance, with only minor deviation from expected fuel consumption. This reflects a well-tuned engine operating within optimal parameters, supported by timely adjustments and consistent follow-up.
VIT=Variable Injection Timing, function to achieve greater fuel economy for mechanically controlled engines. The VIT advances the injection timing after 40% load so that maximum combustion pressure (pmax) is achieved at about 85% MCR (optimization/design point).
Identifying the issue
Despite being a relatively new vessel, built with high-quality components and systems from leading suppliers, it was operating with incorrect engine parameters since delivery.
Without detailed performance monitoring, these deviations had remained unnoticed during the first years of operation.
Understanding the impact
Incorrect VIT settings directly affect combustion efficiency and fuel consumption. Once identified and corrected, the vessel achieved:
- An improvement in SFOC of more than 6 g/kWh
This highlights how even modern vessels can operate below optimal efficiency if engine parameters are not correctly configured.
From insight to action
With access to detailed performance data, the issue was identified and corrected in a short time. The effort required to implement the fix was minimal, with a payback time measured in minutes.
A clearer view of performance
The benefit of detailed performance monitoring can be likened to putting on a pair of glasses—making previously unseen inefficiencies visible and enabling better—informed operational decisions.
