A benchmark installation of three energy storage systems by the technology group Wärtsilä onboard an offshore construction vessel features, for the first time ever, energy and load sharing capability. The system combines a diesel-electric configuration with batteries, and is designed to deliver impressive fuel savings for the ship of as much as 50 percent, given optimal operating conditions, the company said in its release.
The installation was carried out in February 2018 onboard the North Sea Shipping AS owned ‘North Sea Giant’, one of the world’s largest and most advanced subsea construction vessels. In a second phase of the project, Wärtsilä commissioned an electronic bus link, a newly developed module that allows the ship to share load and energy optimally between the three Wärtsilä energy storage systems. This technology is expected to generate additional operating cost savings, and a total reduction in annual fuel consumption of two million litres. The estimated annual reduction in exhaust emissions is 5.5 million kg of CO2, 30 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 1200 kg of sulphur oxides (SOx).
The three Wärtsilä energy storage systems reduce load fluctuations on the ship’s diesel generators. Typically, vessels utilising dynamic positioning require two or more engines operating simultaneously at low load to secure back-up power. By using the Wärtsilä hybrid battery system to provide the needed reserve power, the operational engine can be run closer to its optimal load point.
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2018, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 5.2 billion with approximately 19,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.