Objective In the field of offshore technology, there is a great need for autonomous energy systems, particularly for use in deeper waters. Efficient diesel engines in closed cycle operation have considerable advantages against batteries for that problem. Aim of the project is therefore the development of a closed diesel engine cycle with argon as cycle medium and its test on a pilot plant.In the preliminary phase of the project parallel tests were carried out with an M.A.N. diesel engine operating in open argon/oxygen mode, during which 42% efficiency was achieved and, with a CO2 scrubber using a caustic potash solution, a CO2 reduction from 7.5% to 1% obtained.The closed argon cycle pilot plant with a 32 kW M.A.N. diesel engine was tested in numerous trials, the sampled results and experiences led to an improved CO2 scrubber system by using a self-developed 2-stage rotational scrubber. The advantages of this 2-stage M.A.N. rotational scrubber are its compact design and its very high lye absorption rate.The test carried out with the pilot plant confirmed the function of the closed argon diesel engine cycle with all of its auxiliary components, and the increase of the engine efficiency.The next step of the project is to produce an underwater energy supply section for submarines with a 100 kW M.A.N. diesel engine by using the sampled results and experiences and totest it under operation conditions.If argon is used as the cycle medium, the efficiency of the diesel engine can be increased by approx. 25%. In closed cycle operation the recycle gas argon has to be scrubbed free of the combustion products H2O and CO2 before enriched with pure oxygen leading back to the diesel engine.One point main effort therefore is the design, test and optimization of the CO2 scrubber system under operating conditions. Further points were the design of the overall system including all of the auxilliary components, and the erection of the closed argon cycle pilot plant with a 32 kW diesel engine. During the tests of the pilot plant the function of the overall system was to be demonstrated. Programme(s) ENG-HYDROCARB 1C - Programme (EEC) of Community projects in the hydrocarbons sector, 1973-1985 Topic(s) 1.6 - MISCELLANEOUS Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme DEM - Demonstration contracts Coordinator MAN TECHNOLOGIE GMBH EU contribution No data Address DACHAUER STRASSE 667 POSTFACH 50 04 26 8000 MÜNCHEN Germany See on map Total cost No data
