WE Tech ESS for Donsötank’s tanker newbuildings

The WE Tech energy storage system package (ESS) consists of propulsion drives, permanent magnet shaft generator, shore connection switchgear, bow thruster motor and DC link. It is to be fitted to two 22,000-dwt tankers under construction at Wuhu Shipyard in China for Swedish shipowner Rederi AB Donsötank.

The ESS can provide peak shaving functionality to ensure efficient operation of the auxiliary generators while all large consumers are provided a very fast load response and the electrical network is kept stable.

The battery banks can also act as a spinning reserve to provide an energy reserve for power generation, allowing for single generator operation, limiting unnecessary parallel running of generators.

This functionality is available when power is generated from the shaft generator or from auxiliary generators. In case a generator is unexpectedly shut down, the battery ensures a blackout prevention functionality to keep the electrical network alive until a stand-by auxiliary generator comes online.

“WE Tech is proud to be a pioneer to supply the most energy efficient solutions. Together with our customers, we strongly believe our innovative technology and reliable solutions are the future for the marine industry”, said WE Tech Solutions’ project manager Mikael Svenfelt.

While the vessel is in the harbour, it can be connected to the shore electric power grid, which directly supplies the vessel’s electrical system and ESS recharging. This eliminates the need to generate electricity by generators and therefore minimises the environmental footprint.

Through WE Drive, the vessel’s power grid can be seamlessly matched to the harbour’s shore supply in terms of voltage and frequency. This versatile and flexible solution will save tonnes of fuel and reduce emissions both at sea and in the harbour.

The ESS package is partly financed by Klimatklivet, a programme by Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket).

“The funding provided by the government agency through Klimatklivet is proof the ESS has a positive environmental impact,” said Donsötank managing director Ingvar Lorensson.

WE Tech Solutions’ managing director Mårten Storbacka said, “WE Tech is very glad to be opted by Donsötank again for extending our integrated solution package with the most advanced ESS technology.”

“Electrical load peak-shaving will have a significant impact on energy efficiency and emissions reduction, as well as operational cost reduction. The full package from WE Tech plays a major role in the construction of the next-generation tankers, in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability, and the flexibility and stability of operation.”

Being able to integrate seamlessly with shore-side significantly reduces emissions during port operations. Register for the Riviera the free Maritime Air Pollution Asia Webinar Week, starting 14 December 2020.

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