Abstract
As one of the way saving energy of vessels, effective use of exhaust heat is described in this study. Recent years, the depletion of fossil fuels, air pollution by exhaust gas has become a serious problem. Therefore, the technologies about fuel saving and effective use of energy are required. Vessels also use fossil fuel as an energy source. Large vessels generate steam in the exhaust gas economizer by using the exhaust heat of the main engine. This steam is used for heating fuel, heating the room and hot water supply in the vessel. But, recovery of exhaust heat of the main engine is not enough. If it is possible to generate electric power using the low-pressure steam, that can contribute to energy saving of vessels. Therefore, prototype steam engine for generation using low-pressure steam is developed. This new steam engine is use the end cam which is newly devised as a transformation of motion mechanism. In this paper, this new cam called crown cam. Prototype steam engine was tested. At this time, valve opening and valve timing was changed to evaluate the effects on performance of steam engine. First, the principle of operation and the structure of prototype steam engine are introduced. Secondly, this engine is tested by low-pressure compressed-air. Finally, test result of the prototype steam engine is described.
