Next-Generation Controller Platform ‘Triton’ Passes Major Milestone

MAN Energy Solutions’ electronic ‘ME’ engine portfolio has reached another milestone with the announcement that its ‘Triton’ platform recently passed its TAT (Type Approval Test) in Japan.

Developed at MAN Energy Solutions’ Two-Stroke Business Unit in Copenhagen, Triton is based on the experience accumulated over more than 20 years in the development and production of mission-critical electronics. The TAT was carried out on an engine provided by MAN Energy Solutions’ two-stroke licensee, Mitsui E&S Machinery, from October 9th to 10th, 2019 and using the ME-engine’s latest engine control system, v.1903-2.

Speaking in Japan, Svend Krogsgaard, Senior Manager and Head of Systems Automation Basic Platform at MAN Energy Solutions, said: “This is a major milestone and sends a strong message to the market. Triton is the new controller platform for our entire, two-stroke engine portfolio and is a future-proof solution characterised by its modularity, flexibility and scalability. Having such a stable, flexible foundation for our control software will benefit the future direction of our two-stroke technology immensely.”

Henrik R. Olesen, Senior Manager and Head of Automation & Control Two-Stroke at MAN Energy Solutions, also praised the close cooperation between the classification societies, Mitsui E&S Machinery and MAN Energy Solutions that led to the successful TAT. He said: “This close collaboration with our industry partners is the backbone of our success. We have now shown that our engine control system runs just as well on the new Triton platform as it does on the existing Multi Purpose Controller and have displayed the ease of switching from one system to the other. However, going forward, Triton delivers extra computing power and a faster network and I/O flexibility to face future demands; it also crucially encompasses cyber security by design.”

MAN Energy Solutions states that Triton will be introduced as a fully localised product, beginning from 2020.The new controller platform is characterised by its:

·         increased engine flexibility for improved performance due to higher computational power and more advanced control functions

·         advanced controls for increased fuel flexibility and emission reduction of the future

·         modular architecture for future scalability

·         preparation for simple interfaces towards other ship automation systems

·         enhanced digital offerings

·         ruggedness, high reliability and cost effectiveness.