Marine Engines

The collection offers an overview into the evolution of marine engines, from steam engines to modern two-stroke diesel engines that are still used in large shipsShip. In the XIX century the development of the steam engines revolutionized the naval sector by surpassing sailing navigation and leading to significant transformations in ship construction, transportation, and the global economy. The technical improvement of engines increased shipShip performance, such as speed, consumption, and range. Over time, piston steam engines were gradually replaced by steam turbines and diesel engines, up to the modern gas turbines derived from the aviation industry. Two-stroke diesel engines have found extensive use in the naval sector, with large engines exceeding 30 m in length and power output of ca. 4000 hp per each cylinder. These engines, particularly when coupled to turbomachinery and heat recovery systems, exhibit an overall efficiency greater than 50% and comparable to the modern stationary power plants.