WÄRTSILÄ 46DF, Product Manual

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2. Operating Ranges
2.1 Engine operating range
Running below nominal speed the load must be limited according to the diagrams in this
chapter in order to maintain engine operating parameters within acceptable limits. Operation
in the shaded area is permitted only temporarily during transients. Minimum speed is indicated
in the diagram, but project specific limitations may apply.
2.1.1 Controllable pitch propellers
An automatic load control system is required to protect the engine from overload. The load
control reduces the propeller pitch automatically, when a pre-programmed load versus speed
curve (“engine limit curve”) is exceeded, overriding the combinator curve if necessary. Engine
load is determined from measured shaft power and actual engine speed. The shaft power
meter is supplied by Wärtsilä.
The propeller efficiency is highest at design pitch. It is common practice to dimension the
propeller so that the specified ship speed is attained with design pitch, nominal engine speed
and 85% output in the specified loading condition. The power demand from a possible shaft
generator or PTO must be taken into account. The 15% margin is a provision for weather
conditions and fouling of hull and propeller. An additional engine margin can be applied for
most economical operation of the engine, or to have reserve power.
The propulsion control must also include automatic limitation of the load increase rate.
Maximum loading rates can be found later in this chapter.
DBAD209883 2-1
2. Operating Ranges Wärtsilä 46DF Product Guide