Abstract: The engine plant comprises a plurality of turbocharged combustion engines (1, 2), the charging air systems of which are interconnected by means of a closeable conduit (14). Conduit (14) is adapted to supply supplementary charging air from the charging air system of a loaded engine (1) to the charging air system of an unloaded engine (2). A stop valve (15) is provided in the conduit and is controlled in dependence on the working condition of the associated engine (2) on the basis of a comparison between the charging air pressure and the exhaust gas pressure. Said comparison of pressures is effected by means of a surveillance unit (18) accommodating a duct system with two separate branches connected with the charging air system and the exhaust gas system, respectively. The branches are connected with a common outlet and a thermosensor is provided in either branch.

Abstract: The multi-engine consists in one embodiment of a relatively large turbocharged ship's diesel engine and three smaller turbocharged auxiliary or stand-by diesel engines. The main engine is primarily adapted for propelling the ship while the auxiliary engines solely drive electric generators. In view of the rigorous demands on the security of the delivery of electricity it is desirable to operate one or more of the auxiliary engines in stand-by mode during a substantial part of the operation time of the plant, i.e. unloaded or at low load. This involves problems for the engine concerned because the charging air pressure generated by the associated turbocharger is then lower than the exhaust gas pressure.