Wärtsilä has installed a fully-functioning, state-of-the-art simulator at its training centre for Wärtsilä RT-flex common-rail low-speed marine engines in Winterthur, Switzerland.
The simulator is primarily employed for training the personnel of ship owners and ship operators in the correct operation and fault diagnosis of the electronic control systems of Wärtsilä RT-flex common-rail engines. It enables a thorough understanding of both the Wärtsilä engine control system used on RT-flex engines and the advantages given by the RT-flex system.
Hands-on training
The first feedback from training has been very positive. As the trainees from shipping companies are usually well-experienced sea-going engineers, they welcome the opportunity for real, hands-on training in the new technologies.
Not only does the simulator present an excellent visualization of the RT-flex system and processes for better understanding by trainees, it also allows complete practical training on the RT-flex system. Trainees can be instructed in the exchange of electronic modules, and in the use of the versatile interface software flexView. Faults can also be fed into the simulator from a remote PC so that trainees can practice how to diagnose and remedy unexpected faults.
Simulator features
The simulator can also be used for demonstrating features of the RT-flex common-rail systems not only to customers but also to other visitors, such as students. It can moreover be used for testing and validation of new and modified RT-flex software before it is installed in the research engine and production engines.
The RT-flex simulator is set up with space to accommodate a class of 12 trainees. It comprises three principal components: the 3D model, an operating and control console, and a local engine control cabinet. The full-scale, multi-cylinder 3D model provides a visual impression of the action of fuel injection and exhaust valve actuation from the rail unit to the fuel and exhaust valves in the cylinder covers. It incorporates standard RT-flex control cabinets with the actual electronic equipment as employed in the Wärtsilä engine control systems on production RT-flex engines.
The console has the same controls and displays as are fitted to the consoles in a ship’s engine control room and wheelhouse. The local emergency control panel is identical with those on the engines themselves. Thus the virtual engine can be started from the console and put through all its manoeuvres as if it were a real engine. The response of an RT-flex engine to signals from the Wärtsilä engine control system is simulated by a separate computer which generates signals to the visual displays, the console and local control cabinet.
The simulator uses the latest Wärtsilä engine control equipment, as in the WECS-9520 system. However, it can be updated to incorporate future developments in RT-flex systems in parallel with engine developments.
An important feature of the simulator is its possibility to exchange the console and local control cabinet for the various individual types of propulsion control systems specified by Wärtsilä for RT-flex engines. Thus the simulator can be adapted to the actual configurations of control systems, customized as in the existing ones on board ships.
Wärtsilä Land & Sea Academy (WLSA) in Winterthur
The training centre for two-stroke engines in Winterthur offers a variety of courses primarily for customers – shipping companies, licensees, ship management companies, etc., but also for Wärtsilä employees. The courses for customers are aimed at engine and technical personnel. The programme covers basic, advanced and fully tailor-made courses based on customer requirements in addition to standard Wärtsilä product courses for low-speed diesel engines. Besides a full-size, low-speed diesel engine and the RT-flex simulator, the training centre features a variety of RT-flex (common-rail), remote control and other ancillary systems and components for visual learning.
Furthermore, Wärtsilä Land & Sea Academies continually support Wärtsilä personnel to develop their own skills and abilities. Internal training improves the efficiency of the Wärtsilä organization and the quality of its customer services.
About Wärtsilä Training Services
Wärtsilä Services offers a variety of services in eight categories. One of these is Training Services, which includes Wärtsilä Land & Sea Academies. The scope of Training Services spans from Wärtsilä product courses to the full range of customer specific maritime and power plant training courses, specialized simulators as well as programmes related to competence and career management solutions. Wärtsilä Land & Sea Academies are located at Fort Lauderdale, USA; Turku, Finland; Trieste, Italy; Pusan, South Korea, Winterthur, Switzerland; Gothenburg, Sweden; Zwolle and Drünen, The Netherlands; Khopoli, India; and Subic Bay in the Philippines.
Link to more information about WLSA: http://wlsa.wartsila.com/
Media contact:
Marit Holmlund-Sund
Public Relations Manager
Wärtsilä Corporation
Direct tel: +358 10 709 1439
Direct fax: +358 10 709 1425
e-mail: marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com
Internet: www.wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief
Wärtsilä enhances the business of its customers by providing them with complete lifecycle power solutions. When creating better and environmentally compatible technologies, Wärtsilä focuses on the marine and energy markets with products and solutions as well as services. Through innovative products and services, Wärtsilä sets out to be the most valued business partner of all its customers. This is achieved by the dedication of more than 17,000 professionals manning 160 Wärtsilä locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on The Nordic Exchange in Helsinki, Finland. www.wartsila.com
