Revolutionizing Icebreaker Capabilities
A groundbreaking study by ABB reveals the untapped potential of incorporating battery power in modern icebreakers to significantly enhance their performance in extreme conditions. While megawatt-hour scaling and zero-emissions generation are notable attractions, the evidence presented by ABB also highlights how improvements in power efficiency and responsiveness can decisively impact icebreaker operations.
Traditional icebreakers rely on oversized generators running on fossil fuels, which results in inefficiency when engine loads are low. Moreover, slow load ramping is an inherent issue with diesel engines, and new-generation LNG engines have even slower responsiveness. These time lags often lead to conservative approaches in operations, detracting from efficiency.
Electric Revolution on the Horizon
Battery power integration is already making waves in the ferry and cruise ship industry, offering instantaneous stored energy to improve peak shaving, spinning reserve, and providing a zero-emission power alternative. While newbuilds account for most battery installations, retrofit projects for cruise, ferry, and cargo ships are also on the rise.
ABB evaluated the impact of installing an energy storage system (ESS) onboard the icebreaker Polaris, which was the first in its class to operate on liquefied natural gas. The Polaris study establishes a new precedent for assessing the influence of ESS technology on a novel ship type.
Achieving Fueled Efficiencies with ESS
ABB’s simulations reveal that the instantaneous accessibility of power from a 4.5 MWh ESS would allow for safer and more efficient operations with less reliance on main engines. The data suggest a reduction in main engine usage hours by up to a substantial 46%, resulting in fuel and emissions savings, as well as a decreased need for maintenance and life-cycle expenses.
Notably, the integration of ESS technology would lead to a 38% CHâ‚„ reduction and a 16% decrease in fuel consumption for LNG. For diesel engines, this would result in a 10% reduction in fuel consumption and a 36% reduction in engine hours. Moreover, the addition of ESS allows more responsive power adjustments and a significantly improved safety margin in challenging icebreaking scenarios.
Expanding the Safety Envelope
The findings of ABB’s study strongly suggest that battery integration can play a critical role in enhancing the power systems of vessels like Polaris, not only reducing the number of engine running hours but also decreasing methane slip. Battery power has the potential to widen the safety envelope of icebreaking, permitting a reduced number of main engines and installed power. It raises the possibility of increasing the ESS capacity, potentially eliminating the need for a main engine while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.
