Method for energy efficiency management of a 24,000 methanol dual fuel container ship

Abstract

A method for energy efficiency management of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship belongs to the technical field of ship energy efficiency management. The methanol dual-fuel main engine and auxiliary engines transmit operating parameters, fuel consumption, main propeller shaft power, and shaft speed information. The engine room monitoring and alarm system transmits status information such as fuel / methanol tank capacity and temperature. The communication and navigation system transmits navigation information such as ship speed, position, heading, and wind direction and speed. These data are collected, processed, and integrated by an intelligent data integration platform system. The ship's energy efficiency status information is then sent to an intelligent energy efficiency management workstation for display. Performance evaluation results and auxiliary decision-making information such as trim optimization and speed optimization are also sent to the workstation to guide ship energy efficiency management. After applying the intelligent energy efficiency management system, ship energy efficiency can be detected and evaluated. Ship speed can be optimized, providing auxiliary decision-making; optimal loading based on trim optimization can be provided, continuously saving fuel for the shipowner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for energy efficiency management of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship, which belongs to the technical field of ship energy efficiency management. Background Technology

[0002] The International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Existing Energy Efficiency Index (EEXI), and Carbon Intensity Index (CII), mean that non-compliant vessels face risks such as speed restrictions, port detentions, and even decommissioning. Compliance has become a fundamental prerequisite for ship operation. Fuel costs account for 60%-70% of container ship operating costs, making energy efficiency management an irreversible core measure in the shipping industry. Optimizing speed and implementing energy-saving modifications to the hull can directly reduce fuel consumption, significantly lower per-container transport costs, directly increase corporate profits, and enhance corporate competitiveness. When a ship is operating at sea, its speed, the operating status of its main and auxiliary engines, and its loading status are the main factors affecting fuel consumption. Therefore, how to manage the energy efficiency of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship is a challenge for this vessel. Relying solely on the experience of individual crew members cannot guarantee effective results. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a method for energy efficiency management of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship. During the operation of the 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship, the energy efficiency of the ship is monitored, analyzed, and energy-saving in real time, enabling the ship type to be operated and managed in a more economical and environmentally friendly manner.

[0004] At present, there is no solution to apply intelligent energy efficiency systems to 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships. The main approach is to rely on the seafarers' experience to adjust loading, ship speed, etc., in order to reduce ship fuel consumption.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A method for energy efficiency management of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Step 1: Obtain various parameters of the ship's current operating status, including the operating parameters of the main engine and auxiliary engines;

[0007] Step 2: Obtain various environmental parameters of the ship's current operating area;

[0008] Step 3: The collected parameter information is aggregated into the intelligent platform. The integration platform preprocesses the collected data and stores it in a specific format in the database server and backup database server to facilitate subsequent hot backup, data synchronization, and data switching. The data provides data services to the intelligent energy efficiency system in a specific format.

[0009] Step 4: On the current route, operate based on the basic model and the ideal energy consumption curve of the main equipment, provide recommended auxiliary decision-making information, send it to the energy efficiency system workstation for the crew's reference, and perform trim and speed optimization;

[0010] Step 4.1 Trim Optimization: The system collects data in real time through sensors on board, including draft at the bow and stern, speed, main engine power / fuel consumption, wind speed and direction, waves, and hull fouling. Through the system's built-in model, the real-time data is combined with historical data, and the algorithm calculates the optimal trim recommendation value under the current loading and sea state.

[0011] Step 4.2 Speed ​​Optimization: Speed ​​and fuel consumption have a cubic relationship; reducing speed optimizes fuel consumption. The system comprehensively considers weather and route information, route information, port berthing time windows, and real-time ship speed and fuel consumption. The aim is to find the economical speed, that is, to achieve the lowest fuel cost per unit distance while meeting the voyage plan. Intelligent algorithms simulate various navigation schemes at different speeds and calculate the expected fuel consumption and arrival time for each scheme. Based on this, the system recommends a speed that ensures safe and on-time arrival while maximizing fuel savings.

[0012] Step 5: Navigation Safety Monitoring and Early Warning: The system prevents safety accidents through real-time monitoring of equipment status, navigation environment, ship attitude, and weather; specifically:

[0013] Equipment status monitoring: Monitor the operating parameters of the main unit, auxiliary unit, and gearbox, and immediately alarm when they exceed the normal threshold to achieve predictive maintenance;

[0014] Navigation environment monitoring: Integrates AIS, radar, and electronic chart data to provide early warnings of collision risk and grounding risk;

[0015] Ship attitude monitoring: Monitors roll and pitch angles; when the ship rolls excessively, the system issues an alarm and suggests adjusting course and speed to improve the ship's attitude.

[0016] Weather warnings: Based on updated meteorological data, early warnings are issued for impending severe weather and alternative routes are recommended.

[0017] Step 6: Based on the current data, calculate the energy efficiency-related parameters and display them on the ship's energy efficiency workstation for easy recording and reporting by the crew; at the same time, the data will be transmitted to the shore via satellite communication system for management by the shipowner company.

[0018] Furthermore, in step 1, the parameters include methanol density, temperature, inventory, flow rate, and maximum ventilation limit.

[0019] Furthermore, in step 2, the environmental parameters include wind direction and speed, ship draft, ocean current parameters, and ship trim.

[0020] Furthermore, in step 4.2, the speed recommendation is dynamic, continuously providing updated speed recommendations based on real-time changes in marine meteorological conditions.

[0021] Furthermore, in step 6, the energy efficiency-related parameters include the energy efficiency operation index, fuel consumption per nautical mile, fuel consumption per unit of transport work, CO2 emissions per nautical mile, CO2 emissions per unit of transport work, cargo utilization rate, deceleration ratio, propulsion efficiency, and energy efficiency.

[0022] During ship operation, the methanol dual-fuel main engine and auxiliary engine will transmit operating parameters, fuel consumption, main propulsion shaft power, and shaft speed information. The engine room monitoring and alarm system will transmit status information such as fuel oil / methanol tank capacity and temperature. The communication and navigation system will transmit navigation information such as ship speed, position, heading, and wind direction and speed to the intelligent data integration platform system for data collection, processing, and integration. Then, the ship's energy efficiency status information will be sent to the intelligent energy efficiency management workstation for display. Performance evaluation results and auxiliary decision-making information such as trim optimization and speed optimization will be sent to the workstation to guide ship energy efficiency management. At the same time, the above information will also be transmitted to shore via satellite communication system to facilitate the shipowner's overall management of fleet data.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: This method is the first to apply an intelligent energy efficiency system on a 24k TEU (MeOH DF) ship type, which can provide suggested decisions to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve equipment operating efficiency when large containers use both fuel oil and methanol.

[0024] The system collects operational data from various shipboard equipment, such as the speed, power, fuel consumption, and temperature of the main engine, auxiliary engines, and boilers (via temperature / pressure / flow sensors); navigation status including speed, heading, draft, and rudder angle; and energy flow including electrical system load and energy distribution (e.g., power consumption of refrigerated containers). The data volume is large and the data types are diverse. After aggregating the data from various systems and types, the integration platform preprocesses the data from each subsystem and stores it in a specific format on a database server and a backup database server. Simultaneously, hot backup, data synchronization, and data switching are considered. This data, in a specific format, provides data services to the intelligent energy efficiency system.

[0025] The application of an intelligent energy efficiency management system allows for the detection and evaluation of ship energy efficiency. It can optimize ship speed and provide decision support; it can also provide optimal loading based on trim optimization, continuously saving fuel for ship owners. The currently applied intelligent energy efficiency system is based on an intelligent integrated platform and is scalable. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the methanol dual-fuel intelligent energy efficiency management system.

[0028] The diagram shows: 1. Methanol dual-fuel main engine and auxiliary engine equipment; 2. Engine room detection and alarm system; 3. Communication and navigation system; 4. Methanol dual-fuel intelligent data integration platform system; 5. Data satellite transmission system; 6. Methanol dual-fuel intelligent energy efficiency workstation. Detailed Implementation

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] During ship operation, the methanol dual-fuel main engine and auxiliary engine equipment transmit operating parameters, fuel consumption, main propeller shaft power, and shaft speed information. The engine room monitoring and alarm system transmits status information such as fuel oil / methanol tank capacity and temperature. The communication and navigation system transmits navigation information such as ship speed, position, heading, and wind direction and speed. All data is then collected, processed, and integrated by the intelligent data integration platform system. The ship's energy efficiency status information is then sent to the intelligent energy efficiency management workstation for display. Performance evaluation results and auxiliary decision-making information such as trim optimization and speed optimization are also sent to the workstation to guide ship energy efficiency management. Simultaneously, all of the above information is transmitted to shore-based facilities via satellite communication, facilitating overall fleet data management by the shipowner. This method specifically includes the following steps:

[0033] Step 1: Obtain various parameters of the ship's current operating status, including the operating parameters of the main engine and auxiliary engines. Unlike in the past, in addition to the regular fuel parameters, it is also necessary to collect various parameters of the methanol fuel tank, supply pipelines, and supply equipment, including methanol density, temperature, inventory, flow rate, maximum ventilation limit, etc.

[0034] Step 2: Obtain various environmental parameters of the ship's current operating area, including wind direction and speed, ship's draft, ocean current parameters, and ship's trim.

[0035] Step 3: The collected parameters vary in type, communication method, and syntax. Previously, signals were directly sent to the intelligent energy efficiency management system. This design first aggregates these signals into the intelligent platform, where the integration platform preprocesses the data from each subsystem and stores it in a specific format on a database server and a backup database server. Simultaneously, hot backup, data synchronization, and data switching are considered. This data, in a defined format, provides data services to the intelligent energy efficiency system.

[0036] Step 4: On the current route, based on the basic model and the ideal energy consumption curves of the main engine and other equipment, the system operates to provide a recommended main engine speed and other auxiliary decision-making information, which is then sent to the energy efficiency system workstation for the crew's reference. The system continuously corrects and optimizes the model's calculation parameters by comparing and iterating with real-time and historical data, thereby providing increasingly more energy-efficient recommended speeds and other auxiliary decision-making information.

[0037] Step 5: At the same time, based on the current data, energy efficiency-related parameters can be calculated, such as energy efficiency operation index, fuel consumption per nautical mile, fuel consumption per unit of transport work, CO2 emissions per nautical mile, CO2 emissions per unit of transport work, cargo utilization rate, speed reduction ratio, propulsion efficiency, energy efficiency, etc., and displayed on the ship's energy efficiency workstation for easy recording and reporting by the crew; at the same time, it will be transmitted to the shore via satellite communication system for management by the shipowner company.

[0038] Furthermore, energy efficiency management methods can provide optimization services such as trim optimization, speed optimization, navigation safety monitoring and early warning, voyage reporting, and energy-saving potential assessment for 24,000 TEU dual-fuel container ships.

[0039] Trim optimization: The system collects data in real time through sensors on board, including draft at the bow and stern, speed, main engine power / fuel consumption, wind speed and direction, sea waves, and hull fouling. Through the system's built-in model, it combines real-time data with historical data and uses algorithms to calculate the optimal trim recommendation value for the current loading and sea state.

[0040] Speed ​​Optimization: Speed ​​and fuel consumption have a cubic relationship (fuel consumption ∝ speed³), meaning even a slight decrease in speed can lead to significant fuel savings. Speed ​​optimization aims to find the "economic speed," which minimizes fuel cost per unit distance while meeting the voyage plan. The system comprehensively considers weather and routing information (wind, wave, and current forecasts for the next 72 hours), route information, port berthing time windows (avoiding early arrival and waiting at anchor), and real-time ship speed and fuel consumption. Intelligent Calculation and Simulation: Intelligent algorithms simulate various navigation scenarios at different speeds, calculating the estimated fuel consumption and time to arrival (ETA) for each scenario. Optimal Scheme Recommendation: The system recommends a speed that ensures safe and on-time arrival while maximizing fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the system is dynamic, continuously providing updated speed recommendations based on real-time changes in marine and meteorological conditions.

[0041] Navigation Safety Monitoring and Early Warning: Safety is the prerequisite for efficiency. This system prevents safety accidents through real-time monitoring of ship attitude, equipment, and environment. Equipment Status Monitoring: Monitors the operating parameters (temperature, pressure, speed) of key equipment such as main engines, auxiliary engines, and gearboxes. It immediately alarms when these parameters exceed normal thresholds, enabling predictive maintenance. Navigation Environment Monitoring: Integrates AIS, radar, and electronic chart data to provide early warnings of collision risks (close proximity to other vessels) and grounding risks (deviation from the channel or entry into shallow waters). Ship Attitude Monitoring: Monitors roll and pitch angles. When the ship rolls excessively (severe sea conditions), the system issues an alarm and may suggest adjustments to course and speed to improve navigation attitude and ensure cargo and hull safety. Weather Warnings: Based on updated weather data, it issues early warnings of impending severe weather (such as strong winds, high waves, and typhoons) and suggests alternative routes.

[0042] Voyage Report and Energy-Saving Potential Assessment: This is a "review" and "check-up" of the entire voyage performance, used to quantify energy-saving effects, identify areas for improvement, and provide decision support. Automatic Report Generation: After the voyage, the system automatically summarizes all key data and generates a standardized voyage energy efficiency report. The report includes: total fuel consumption, total sailing distance, and average speed. Energy efficiency comparison with theoretical baselines or historical averages. Statistics on fuel savings resulting from various optimization measures (such as trim adjustments and speed reductions). Assessment of the impact of weather and sea conditions on energy efficiency. Energy-Saving Potential Assessment: Benchmarking Analysis: The energy efficiency performance of this voyage is compared with benchmark values ​​for similar vessels on the same route to identify gaps. Root Cause Analysis: Through data analysis, the reasons for low energy efficiency are identified, such as: decreased main engine efficiency, severe hull fouling, and improper operation in certain segments. Improvement Suggestions: The system provides specific suggestions based on the analysis results.

[0043] The aforementioned energy efficiency management methods can provide performance assessment services such as performance trend analysis and fouling impact assessment for 24,000 TEU dual-fuel container ships. Based on the detection data and information of the ship's navigation status and energy consumption, the methods assess the ship's energy efficiency, navigation and loading status, and provide the ship with assessment results and solutions such as speed optimization and optimal loading based on trim optimization. This enables real-time monitoring, assessment and optimization of ship energy efficiency, thereby continuously improving the level of ship energy efficiency management.

[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of energy efficiency management for a 24,000 TEU methanol dual fuel container ship, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Obtain various parameters of the ship's current operating status, including the operating parameters of the main engine and auxiliary engines; Step 2: Obtain various environmental parameters of the ship's current operating area; Step 3: The collected parameter information is aggregated into the intelligent platform. The integration platform preprocesses the collected data and stores it in a specific format in the database server and backup database server to facilitate subsequent hot backup, data synchronization, and data switching. The data provides data services to the intelligent energy efficiency system in a specific format. Step 4: On the current route, operate based on the basic model and the ideal energy consumption curve of the main equipment, provide recommended auxiliary decision-making information, and send it to the energy efficiency system workstation for the crew's reference; And perform trim and speed optimization; Step 4.1 Trim Optimization: The system collects data in real time through sensors on board, including draft at the bow and stern, speed, main engine power / fuel consumption, wind speed and direction, waves, and hull fouling. Through the system's built-in model, the real-time data is combined with historical data, and the algorithm calculates the optimal trim recommendation value under the current loading and sea state. Step 4.2 Speed ​​Optimization: Speed ​​and fuel consumption have a cubic relationship; reducing speed optimizes fuel consumption. The system comprehensively considers weather and route information, route information, port berthing time windows, and real-time ship speed and fuel consumption. The aim is to find the economical speed, that is, to achieve the lowest fuel cost per unit distance while meeting the voyage plan. Intelligent algorithms simulate various navigation schemes at different speeds and calculate the expected fuel consumption and arrival time for each scheme. Based on this, the system recommends a speed that ensures safe and on-time arrival while maximizing fuel savings. Step 5: Navigation safety monitoring and early warning: The system prevents safety accidents through real-time monitoring of equipment status, navigation environment, ship attitude, and weather. Specifically: Equipment status monitoring: Monitor the operating parameters of the main unit, auxiliary unit, and gearbox, and immediately alarm when they exceed the normal threshold to achieve predictive maintenance; Navigation environment monitoring: Integrates AIS, radar, and electronic chart data to provide early warnings of collision and grounding risks; Ship attitude monitoring: Monitors roll and pitch angles; when the ship rolls excessively, the system issues an alarm and suggests adjusting course and speed to improve the ship's attitude. Weather warnings: Based on updated weather data, early warnings are issued for impending severe weather and alternative routes are recommended; Step 6: Based on the current data, calculate the energy efficiency-related parameters and display them on the ship's energy efficiency workstation for easy recording and reporting by the crew; at the same time, the data will be transmitted to the shore via satellite communication system for management by the shipowner company.

2. The method for energy efficiency management of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, the parameters include methanol density, temperature, inventory, flow rate, and maximum ventilation limit.

3. A method of energy efficiency management of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual fuel container ship according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step 2, the environmental parameters include wind direction and speed, ship draft, ocean current parameters, and ship trim.

4. A method of energy efficiency management of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that, In step 4.2, the speed recommendation is dynamic, continuously providing updated speed recommendations based on real-time changes in marine meteorological conditions.

5. The method for energy efficiency management of a 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ship according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step 6, the energy efficiency-related parameters include the energy efficiency operation index, fuel consumption per nautical mile, fuel consumption per unit of transport work, CO2 emissions per nautical mile, CO2 emissions per unit of transport work, cargo utilization rate, deceleration ratio, propulsion efficiency, and energy efficiency.

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