Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has announced its intent to invest in UK company Carnot which is developing technology for highly efficient engines using heat-resistant materials.
This project has been led by MOL (Europe Africa). Engines made from conventional metals require constant cooling to prevent them from overheating, which reduces performance and increases the risk of engine failure. About 30% of an engine’s combustion energy is estimated to be consumed by cooling. Carnot is developing engine technology that eliminates energy loss during the cooling process and increases thermal efficiency and fuel efficiency by using highly heat-resistant materials. The engine now under development by Carnot is considered to offer the potential to improve fuel efficiency by 20%-40% compared to conventional engines.
Based on the results of demonstration tests and the feasibility of this technology, MOL will consider applying it to its fleet of merchant vessels in the future.
Carnot is said to be the only company selected for the fourth consecutive year for the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, co-sponsored by the UK Government’s Department for Transport and UK Research and Innovation, to support initiatives on decarbonisation in the maritime sector.
Image: Conceptual diagram of Carnot engine, increasing thermal efficiency by eliminating cooling energy losses (source: MOL/Carnot)
