Hybrid Cargo Pump Drive System for Fuel Oil Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Oil tankers face limitations in fuel efficiency and carbon oxide emissions due to the high fuel consumption and steam-based cargo pump systems, which are costly and environmentally harmful.

Innovation Solution

Converting a portion of the steam turbine-driven cargo pump systems to electric motor-driven systems, utilizing frequency control with power thyristors for efficient rotation control, allowing for a hybrid cargo handling method that reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If steam turbine drive system is used for cargo pump, then rotation control in full range and inert gas supply are achieved, but fuel oil consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel oil consumptionVSAvoidrotation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo pump drive system is segmented into multiple independent units, each capable of operating independently. This allows selective operation of individual cargo pumps based on cargo handling requirements, reducing overall fuel consumption while maintaining operational flexibility through independent control of each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary boiler system is designed to serve multiple functions: generating steam for the steam turbine cargo pump drive system and producing inert gas for cargo tank protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining both steam power and inert gas supply capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If auxiliary boiler system is used to produce steam and inert gas, then cargo pump operation and tank safety are ensured, but fuel oil consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel oil consumptionVSAvoidinert gas supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary boiler system is designed to serve multiple functions: generating steam for the steam turbine cargo pump drive system and producing inert gas for cargo tank protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining both steam power and inert gas supply capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates monitoring and control mechanisms that track inert gas generation and consumption rates, allowing dynamic adjustment of auxiliary boiler operation to maintain adequate inert gas levels in cargo tanks while optimizing fuel consumption based on actual cargo handling requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If full set of steam turbines and auxiliary boiler are used, then power demand and rotation control are met, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo pump powerVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo pump drive system is segmented into multiple independent units, each capable of operating independently. This allows selective operation of individual cargo pumps based on cargo handling requirements, reducing overall fuel consumption while maintaining operational flexibility through independent control of each segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than providing steam turbine power capacity for all cargo pumps to operate simultaneously at maximum capacity, the system is designed to power a sufficient number of cargo pumps to handle typical cargo operations. This partial action approach reduces the size and complexity of the steam turbine and auxiliary boiler systems while maintaining adequate cargo handling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach saves 10-15% of fuel oil and decreases carbon oxide emissions by optimizing energy use, enabling flexible operation and reducing the size and cost of auxiliary boiler systems, while maintaining efficient cargo handling capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a frequency control using a power thyristor (diode) to a power supply line is the most preferable means for the rotational speed control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency control using power thyristor: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10189547B2Hybrid cargo handling method of oil tanker and cargo pump prime mover system for the method

Publication Date: 2019.01.29 MORIMOTO

AI summary

Oil tanker and or ore/oil carrier can take more good fuel oil consumption through cargo oil handling by usage of electric motor driven system instead of steam turbine driven cargo pump system. Its merit is about 20%.