ABB's Chiller Optimization Solution for Ferries
ABB’s chiller optimization solution for passenger ships achieves over 18% energy savings on board ferry La Suprema.
ABB and Italian shipping company GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) have completed a first-of-its-kind retrofit of a technology that optimizes the performance of chillers used for heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems on ferries – and the results have exceeded all expectations.
Energy efficiency initiatives for ship operations generally focus on main propulsion, but ABB’s chiller optimization targets the substantial hotel load required for a HVAC system on board passenger ships.
Based on a target set for chiller optimization to save 10% of the energy used by chillers, pilot results cut consumption of power on board the ferry La Suprema by 18%. The results suggest that the owner will save 70 MWh of power every month, adding up to annual savings of up to 77,000 EUR.
Actual energy consumption was depicted in real-time via an online dashboard. The results from the optimization solution consistently showed direct energy savings.
The technology draws on active monitoring on board and data processing ashore through a remote connection and only requires a local onboard controller to interface with the chiller control. Based on algorithms generated from real-time data, such as weather forecasts, active learning and 250 HVAC system variables, chiller energy use can be cut significantly without compromising on cooling capacity or indoor climate. All data analysis and energy saving calculations have been verified by an independent analyst Into Trend.