CATERPILLAR LAUNCHES MEO - FUEL REDUCTION TOOL FOR MULTI-ENGINE VESSELS

Hamburg, Germany – Caterpillar Marine is pleased to introduce the new Multi-Engine Optimizer (MEO) tool, which leverages proprietary performance data and patented control algorithms to provide intelligence for power management systems. MEO works by advising power management systems on which engines to operate and enables the use of dynamic asymmetric loads to drive the combination of engines and loads to create the lowest possible fuel consumption.

“MEO is designed to operate in conjunction with any system, new or retrofit,” said Theodore Wiersema, business process manager for Caterpillar Marine. “The PLC-based system contains proprietary performance data and control algorithms providing the highest overall fuel efficiency. MEO enables a stable bus while engines of different size and rated speeds simultaneously share load operating at different targeted fuel set points. The cost savings can be quite significant depending on the load profile of vessel and the types of engines on the bus,” said Wiersema. 

The 700mm wide MEO cabinet can be installed in an engine or control room and requires less than six wire connections. “MEO is viewed by marine societies as an advisory system and will have type approval certification. As an advisory system MEO can be turned off at any time allowing the existing power management device to return to its normal operating procedures to provide an extra layer of protection and safety,” said Wiersema.

By mixing and matching engines and independent load points, MEO allows engines to provide power at their most efficient point. Compared to the common scenario of engines operating at an equally shared load the MEO system creates an unlimited combination of virtual engine rooms to match each particular vessel load.

MEO will be available for purchase November 15 and backed by the worldwide Cat^® dealer network with trained technicians to ensure service support is never out of reach.

About Caterpillar Marine

Caterpillar Marine, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, groups all the marketing and service activities for Cat and MaK™ marine diesel, dual fuel and gas power and propulsion systems within Caterpillar Inc. The organization provides premier power solutions in the medium- and high-speed segments with outputs from 93 to 16,800 kW in main propulsion and 10 to 16,100  kWe in marine generator sets as well as a comprehensive portfolio of propulsion solutions. The sales and service network includes more than 2,100 dealer locations world-wide dedicated to support customers in ocean-going, commercial marine and pleasure craft wherever they are.

About Caterpillar

For over 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent.  Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2016 sales and revenues of $38.5 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.  The company principally operates through its three product segments - Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation - and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment.  For more information, visit caterpillar.com.  To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

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