Container Vessel Generator Load Control Using Reefer Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container vessels face challenges in managing the varying electrical power demands on their generators, leading to inefficiencies and increased fuel consumption, which in turn increases pollution levels.
Innovation Solution
A power control system that includes a controller to monitor and adjust the energy supplied to reefer containers, storing energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during high demand to maintain the generator load within a target range, thereby optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing pollution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the generator operates to meet varying power demands, then the power supply requirements are satisfied, but the generator efficiency deteriorates and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of reefer containers when generator load is high and efficiency is good, storing cold energy in the cargo containers. This allows the system to reduce or shut off generator operation during periods of high fuel consumption while maintaining cargo temperature requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between meeting power demands and minimizing fuel consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of reefer containers dynamically based on generator load conditions. When generator efficiency is high, the setpoint temperature is lowered to store cold energy; when generator efficiency deteriorates, the system allows temperature to rise within acceptable limits or reduces cooling demand, thus optimizing the balance between power supply and fuel consumption
2Use of energy by moving object
If the generator load is maintained within a narrow optimal range, then fuel efficiency improves, but the ability to meet varying power demands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces reefer container cold energy storage as an intermediary mechanism between the generator and cargo cooling requirements. This intermediary allows the generator to operate in a narrow optimal load range for improved fuel efficiency while the cold storage in containers absorbs or releases energy to meet varying power demands, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and power demand responsiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and stores cold energy in reefer containers during periods of high generator efficiency, then utilizes this stored cold energy during periods when generator operation would be inefficient. This discarding of excess cooling capacity during efficient periods and recovering it during inefficient periods allows the generator to maintain optimal load range while still meeting varying power demands
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a power control system for a container vessel. The power control system has a power interface for supplying energy to at least one reefer container transportable by the container vessel. The power control system also has a controller configured to obtain load data representative of a load on a generator of the container vessel, and target load range data representative of a target load range for the generator. The power control system is configured to control the load such that the load falls within the target load range by the controller increasing energy supplied to the power interface for storage at the at least one reefer container, when the load is below the target load range.