Overview
Over the course of 2020, shipping accounted for about 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. The IMO has therefore introduced regulations that aim to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030, and by 70% by 2050. However, many in the industry are calling for even more ambitious targets – zero emissions by 2050. The Micro Organic Rankine Cycle (Micro ORC) is a highly efficient and innovative technology that is increasingly being utilized in marine applications. This system utilizes organic fluids, such as propylene and butane, to convert waste heat into usable electricity. It is particularly well-suited for use in marine environments due to its compact size, low noise level, and ability to operate at high temperatures.
Many marine vessels, such as cargo ships and cruise ships, generate large amounts of waste heat as a byproduct of their operations. This heat is often released into the ocean, causing environmental damage, and contributing to global warming. By using the Micro ORC system, these waste heat sources can be harnessed and transformed into useful energy, reducing the vessel's reliance on fossil fuels and lowering its carbon footprint.
In addition to generating electricity, the Micro ORC system can also be used to power various onboard systems, such as air conditioning and refrigeration. This is particularly useful for ships that operate in hot climates, where air conditioning is a critical component of comfort and safety. By using the Micro ORC system to power these systems, ships can significantly reduce their energy consumption and save money on fuel costs.
One specific example of the successful implementation of the Micro ORC system in a marine environment is the use of the system on a large container ship. The ship generates approximately 2 MW of waste heat from its engines and other onboard systems. By using the Micro ORC system to capture and convert this waste heat into electricity, the ship was able to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels by approximately 15%. This equated to a fuel cost savings of approximately $500,000 per year and a reduction of 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Another key benefit of the Micro ORC system is its ability to operate in a variety of marine environments. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions, including high winds, saltwater corrosion, and rough seas. This makes it an ideal choice for use on offshore oil rigs and other marine structures, where traditional power systems may not be feasible or reliable. Overall, the implementation of the Micro ORC system on the container ship was a resounding success. It not only provided significant cost savings and environmental benefits, but also improved the ship's overall efficiency and performance.
