ABB Claims 6% Bunker Savings from New Electric Power System

ABB says their new Dynamic AC concept optimises engine speed, resulting in "significant" bunker savings.

ABB Monday announced that its electric power system is capable of reducing fuel consumption by 6 percent, and is ideal for use in cruise ships.

The company says that the new Dynamic AC (DAC) concept optimises engine speed, resulting in "significant" bunker savings.

"No matter what bunker costs are now, ship owners look to the long term and always want ways to maximize fuel efficiency," said Juha Koskela, ABB's Managing Director of Marine and Ports business.

"Once again, our strong emphasis on research and development has produced a solution of great business value to our customers."

ABB says that, through the use of the system's engine speed optimisation, a large cruise ship could expect to see fuel savings of up to 6 percent, or up to 2000 tonnes of fuel annually.

The concept, which ABB says "is new to the commercial maritime industry," has been developed using a simple electrical system configuration with existing ABB components.

DAC can adjust to the rotational speed of diesel generating sets, enabling system frequency to vary within a defined range, explained the company, noting that many vessels still run generators at a set speed, which can create a surplus energy that goes to waste.

"ABB has had great success providing power and propulsion solutions to the cruise industry. Dynamic AC is another tool for cruise companies to build fleets which are more efficient and more environmentally friendly," said Koskela.

In December, ABB announced that it was set to provide "integral technology" to a "futuristic" hybrid desiel electric ferry concept, named Seasight by shipbuilder Brødrene Aa, set to operate in Western Norway.