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
The possibility of replacing the relatively fuel inefficient gas turbine for certain commercial applications with the more efficient reciprocating engine. 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).