Sign up
Log in Sign up
Thu 26 Aug 2010, 09:58 GMT

Hybrid turbocharger cuts fuel costs


New turbocharger is said to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has developed the MET83MAG, a generator-integrated hybrid turbocharger for marine propulsion diesel engines which utilizes engine exhaust gas not only to drive the turbocharger but also to generate electricity.

According to MHI, the MET83MAG is capable of supplying all electric power necessary during normal sea-going operations. At the same time, the hybrid turbocharger is also said to enable reductions in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The hybrid turbocharger, which was commercialized in cooperation with Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), Universal Shipbuilding Corporation and Hitachi Zosen Corporation, will be installed and tested on a bulk carrier that is slated to go into service in 2011.

The event will mark the world's first on-board testing of a hybrid turbocharger using a commercial ship in actual operation. In celebration of the completion of the first MET83MAG unit, a presentation ceremony for the hybrid turbocharger took place at MHI's Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works.

The generator of the MET83MAG, which is capable of generating a maximum power output of 754 kilowatts (kW) at an engine speed of 9,500 revolutions per minute (rpm), can also substitute the function of auxiliary blower from its use as an electric motor to enhance the performance of the turbocharger when engine speed is not fast enough. For the actual on-board testing, a hybrid turbocharger will be installed on a capesize bulk carrier currently under construction by Universal Shipbuilding for NYK Line.

The MET83MAG hybrid turbocharger is one of the waste heat recovery systems that utilize exhaust gas from the engine and is compact due to its built-in generator. The new turbocharger can accommodate demand for replacement of existing turbochargers.

Previously MHI has developed and successfully commercialized the waste heat recovery system MERS (Mitsubishi Energy Recovery System), which enables a 10 percent reduction in fuel costs by generating electric power through combination of an exhaust-gas-driven turbine and a steam turbine, for vessels requiring large electric power, such as container carriers and crude oil carriers.

"Leveraging its expertise and strength derived from providing various equipments for effective energy utilization in marine applications, going forward MHI will continue to develop innovative products and systems," MHI said in a statement.

Hapag-Lloyd and DSV logo side by side. Hapag-Lloyd and DSV sign 18,000-tonne CO2e reduction agreement for sustainable marine fuels  

Two-year framework allows inclusion of alternative fuels beyond biofuels in shipping decarbonisation partnership.
Bangkok city skyline. Uni-Fuels opens Thailand office as part of Southeast Asia expansion  

Marine fuel supplier establishes Bangkok entity, appoints managing director with 15 years’ industry experience.
Washington State Hybrid-Electric 160-Auto Ferry vessel render. Corvus Energy to supply battery systems for Washington State Ferries hybrid vessels  

ABB selects Corvus for two new 160-vehicle ferries as part of $3.98bn electrification plan.
Vinssen and Mana Engineering sign MoU. Vinssen, Mana Engineering partner on hydrogen fuel cell retrofit for 800-teu feeder vessel  

South Korean and Dutch firms to pursue Lloyd’s Register approval for hybrid retrofit concept.
Hercules Elisabeth vessel. Hercules Tanker Management takes delivery of second Ultra-Spec vessel in China  

Hercules Elisabeth is the second of 10 hybrid-ready tankers designed for alternative fuels.
Wolf 1 vessel. Petrol Ofisi launches fuel supply tanker Wolf 1  

Turkish bunker supplier adds 1,750-dwt vessel with alternative fuel infrastructure to fleet.
BIMCO meeting. BIMCO to convene for adoption of biofuel clause and ETS provisions at February meeting  

Documentary Committee to consider new contractual frameworks for alternative fuels and emission trading scheme compliance.
Sea Change II vessel render. Incat Crowther and Switch Maritime develop 150-passenger hydrogen ferry for New York  

Design work begins on 28-metre vessel with 720 kg hydrogen capacity and 25-knot speed.
Aerial view of a container vessel. HIF Global signs heads of agreement with German eFuel One for 100,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually  

Deal covers supply from HIF’s Uruguay project, with e-methanol meeting EU RED III standards.
Welcoming of Kota Odyssey at Jordan’s Aqaba Container Terminal. PIL’s LNG-powered vessel makes maiden call at Jordan’s Aqaba port  

Kota Odyssey is Pacific International Lines’ first LNG-fuelled ship to call at the Red Sea port.




 Recommended