Clean power in port from ABB

Clean and highly efficient, ABB’s new SureWave Static Frequency Converter ensures the; static, seamless, and automated transfer of clean power from a ship’s onboard generator to an onshore power source. Thus, removing the need to use diesel-burning generators when in port. Switching to this next generation of static conversion technology will enable ship owners to avoid fines and taxes imposed for not using shore power once berthed.

Key Points

• New ABB SureWave Static Frequency Converter (SFC) provides seamless clean power for marine vessels when in port
• Reducing CO₂ emissions and energy costs for global shipping industry
• SureWave SFC will help ship owners avoid fines and taxes by switching their diesel generators off in port

Features

ABB has engineered SureWave SFC to be 50% smaller than previous models. Additionally, for added flexibility, it can be installed on the marine vessel or port side. ABB’s SureWave can be paralleled or connected to renewable energy sources like PV or wind farms. Hence, further increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Note that, frequency and voltage can vary between ports around the world. But, SureWave SFC allows more flexibility when connecting 60 Hz powered equipment to a 50 Hz supply network or reversely. In addition, using a power module smart enough to operate as an inverter or rectifier, makes maintenance, stocking, and servicing stress-free.

ABB’s SureWave has accreditation of the PEP eco passport. It is an assessment aligned with the UN sustainability program, ISO 14025, and ISO 14040. Thus, verifying a product’s environmental performance. The accreditation considers materials, production, transportation, usage, and end of life. ABB’s SureWave scored class-leading results across its lifecycle due to its superior efficiency and design.

Thanks to its modular design, SureWave SFC from ABB can cover a variety of clean power sizes. Scalable from 250 kVA up to 2.25 MVA for a single system, it is the ideal solution for small to medium port and ship-yard installations, as well as a range of marine vessels ranging from super yachts to super tankers. If required, SureWave SFC can also support higher loads up to 10 MVA with multiple system parallel connections. SureWave SFC also provides market-leading overload and fault clearing capabilities and low distortion. Distortion caused by unoptimized power supplies can result in; harmonics, unbalance, and low power factor, which leads to higher electricity bills and potential damage to electrical infrastructure.

Company’s view

“The shipping industry is under increasing pressure to reduce global carbon emissions and its environmental impact. Many ports are introducing penalties for ships using diesel generators when docked. By switching to next generation static conversion technology like SureWave, operators can avoid charges and significantly lower CO₂ emissions and noise pollution during their stay… During SureWave’s estimated 15-year lifetime, shipyard owners and operators could expect to reduce their CO₂ emissions by approximately 350 tons and deliver operational cost savings to port stakeholders in the region of 1.4M USD, when compared to traditional rotary systems.”

Sebastien Surply, Global Product Group Manager for ABB Power Protection

Notes

Savings ($) calculation is based on a comparison against rotary FC with about 80% efficiency. For savings generated by less cooling, ABB used a SEER (seasonal energy efficient ratio) of 13. The application selected was Shipyards, with a profile of 8 hours per day and 5 days a week, for a 2.25MVA system.

Source: ABB

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