ABB’s chiller optimisation solution for passenger ships has achieved over 18% energy savings on board the ropax ‘La Suprema’, the company claimed.
ABB and Italian shipping company GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) have completed the first retrofit of a technology that optimises the performance of chillers used for heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems on ferries.
“GNV is committed to investing in modern and advanced solutions to renew on board systems and to improve the energy performance and consumption of our fleet,” said Antonio Campagnuolo, GNV’s Marine Operations Director. “Working together with ABB helps to achieve our goal of providing an efficient and safe transport service through important investments in energy saving solutions of our fleet”.
Energy efficiency initiatives for ship operations generally focus on main propulsion, but ABB’s chiller optimisation targets the large hotel load required for a HVAC system on board passenger ships.
Based on a target set for chiller optimisation to save 10% of the energy used by chillers, pilot results cut consumption of power on board the ‘La Suprema’ by 18%.
The results suggest that the owner will save 70 MW/h of power every month, adding up to annual savings of up to €77,000.
Actual energy consumption was depicted in real-time via an online dashboard. The results from the optimisation solution consistently showed direct energy savings.
The technology draws on active monitoring on board and data processing ashore through a remote connection and only requires a local on board controller to interface with the chiller control.
Based on algorithms generated from real-time data, such as weather forecasts, active learning and 250 HVAC system variables, chiller energy use can be cut significantly without compromising on cooling capacity or indoor climate. All data analysis and energy saving calculations have been verified by the independent analyst Into Trend.
“This is a prime example of the efficiencies that are possible for ships today when owners commit to ABB solutions for digitalisation, connectivity and smart sensor technology,” said Daniele Patuelli, Vice President, ABB Marine & Ports Italy. “Our strategy envisages an electric, digital and connected future for shipping, and energy-saving solutions that help owners achieve sustainability benefits are a major milestone for this vision for the maritime industry.”
