proven technology
needs and criteria of a B + heavy duty engine market
fuel economy
cost versus benefit prediction
durability
integration possibilities in industry fabrication standards
reduced emissions
A problem for both marine and power generation reciprocating engines is the short duration of allowable full load operation imposed by durability considerations and the relatively short time between engine overhauls as compared to gas turbines (primarily due to piston ring and liner wear which should be nearly eliminated in the RLE). Confirmed by the SVE experience, the RLE will be able to sustain very much higher continuous load levels than the standard engine. As the load increases, the efficiency of the diesel engine inherently improves. Further fuel cost savings will be achieved by reducing the displacement of current engines by a smaller, lighter, more efficient RLE which operates at higher specific loading. The opportunity arises for replacing the relatively fuel inefficient gas turbine for certain commercial applications with the more efficient reciprocating engine.