Starting air

A starting air system is essential where high power diesel engines are used. Its main purpose is to start the main and auxiliary diesel engines. Compressed air receivers are used in the starting air system for this purpose. In which compressed air at a pressure of up to 2.5 to 3 MPa is usually stored. According to the rules of the maritime register, at least two main starting air receivers must be on board. Where each of them should accommodate at least half of the total required starting air supply. These start-up air reserves must be sufficient for at least 12 starts and reversals of each main engine in succession.
Starting air receivers are supplemented with compressed air and air compressors. One of which must be supplied with electricity from the emergency switchboard.