Preliminary experimental data analysis for Digital Twin development of a large bore Dual-Fuel engine

In recent years, digital models, and in particular Digital Twins (DTs), have seen a growing interest due to their ability to provide support in the development of more efficient systems and processes. This study presents the preliminary steps taken to develop a DT model for a marine Large Bore Dual-Fuel engine manufactured by Wärtsilä. The correlation between dependend and independent data set variables is presented in order to map the engine behaviour and validate the DT model before becoming operational. The analyses are conducted using the engine in gas mode, operating at 85% of Load (at the nominal speed of 600rpm). This operating point represents the typical target design for constant speed applications. The engine efficiency, emissions and combustion chamber parameters are investigated by varying the air-fuel mixture pressure, timing and duration parameters. Sensitivity analysis presents a tight relation between Nitrogen Oxides and Hydrocarbons (HC) emissions by varying the Scavenging Air Pressure. The HC emission function around the nominal value of the Pilot Fuel Injection Duration reverse its trend, while In Cylinder-Pressure and Combustion Duration functions presents opposite gradients. By advancing the Pilot Fuel Injection timing is shown an increase in Engine Efficiency respect to others input parameters.