ABB launches energy appraisal initiative for ships 10 August 2011

A marine energy appraisal service, launched by ABB, is aimed at helping vessels lower their fuel consumption and improve their environmental credentials, according to the company.

Stuart Melling, manager for the harbour cranes and merchant vessel service, points out that among the larger energy consumers are seawater cooling pumps, chilled water pumps and engine room ventilation fans.

These, he explains, are often over-dimensioned to handle extreme conditions. In addition, they operate at full capacity, even when demand is low. Any flow control is often through mechanical devices, such as bypass valves and air dampers, which are inefficient and costly to maintain.

Installing variable-speed drives to adjust the speed of electric motors according to demand, can reduce energy consumed by around 50%, with payback on equipment and installation, from fuel savings alone, in less than one year, he says.

"A single seawater cooling pump can save $29,000 and 117 tons of CO2 per year [so] when applied ship- and fleet-wide, these savings can be tremendous," states Melling.

"There is a large potential for retrofitting existing ships with fuel-reducing technologies. For example, only around 2% of the global fleet is currently equipped with variable-speed drives for their seawater cooling pumps," he adds.

ABB's marine energy appraisal aims to identify the motor-driven applications that can benefit from the use of variable-speed drives. Once applications have been identified, the appraisal is undertaken and a value proposal for implementing improvements presented.

"The marine energy appraisal is built on ABB's process knowledge, combined with in-depth system competence in drives, motors, pumps and fans," asserts Melling.

"We take full responsibility for complete energy efficiency retrofit projects, ensuring quick and simple project execution, which saves customers time and money," he adds.

Brian Tinham

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