ABB icebreaker study - improving performance and cutting emissions through energy storage

A study conducted by ABB, shows how an energy storage system could help improve the overall power efficiency of icebreakers, saving fuels and reducing emissions.

Vessel-based power systems often come with highly dynamic load profiles, and this is especially true for icebreakers. Traditionally, dynamic load is met by oversized generators running on fossil fuel, which leads to inefficient operation during periods of low demand.

The world’s first LNG powered icebreaker, Polaris, has been operating for three winter seasons in the Bay of Bothnia. ABB has conducted a study to investigate how an energy storage system could improve the environmental footprint of the vessel while improving fuel efficiency and dynamic response.

The overall objective of the study was to simulate a battery system that can absorb large load variations and hence improve fuel efficiency and ramping capability.

Key findings from this study include the following simulation results for one day, assuming an onboard hybrid battery system:

• For one representative day with LNG operation: 32% CH4 reduction, 12% less fuel consumption and 46% reduction in engine hours

• For one representative day with diesel operation: 6% reduction in fuel consumption, 36% reduction of engine hours.

To read more about the:

• vessel, the environmental challenges of LPDF engines, and conditions of operations,

• modelleing and simulation

• results and discussions

  .. in this study, click on the link below.

The information in this article is shared by ABB link: Polaris icebreaker study: improving performance and cutting emissions through energy storage (abb.com)