Swiss marine power specialist WinGD has secured a deal to integrate hybrid power and energy management systems on four 113,600 DWT wind-assisted tankers being built for Union Maritime Limited (UML). This agreement signifies the debut of WinGD’s X-EL Integrated Energy solution in conjunction with wind-assisted propulsion. The system will intelligently manage power generated by both the main engine and the onboard sails to maximize efficiency, reports WinGD.
Hybrid Power
Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co will construct new vessels featuring a hybrid power system configured by WinGD. This system will incorporate a shaft generator for the main engines, coupled with WinGD’s X-EL energy management system. The X-EL system is designed to optimize the distribution of power and electricity between the engines, the shaft generator operating in power-take-out (PTO) mode, and wind-assisted propulsion (sails). This integrated approach will enable efficient energy utilization across extended operational ranges and in all operating conditions.
Notably, these vessels will be the first instances where WinGD’s integrated energy system is applied to main engines supplied by a third-party manufacturer.
Bhuvnesh Dogra, Head of Technical at Union Maritime Limited, stated, “Our ambition is to build the most energy-efficient vessels on the market, and we believe wind-assisted propulsion is a key element in achieving that. So too is effective energy management across the vessel. WinGD’s X-EL solution, managing overall energy use while using the fuel-efficient main engine to generate auxiliary electrical power, will be an important contributor to the efficiency of these vessels.”
Specialized Expertise
WinGD X-EL Integrated Energy Solutions have been successfully implemented and are operational on vessels since 2022. This innovative approach leverages the power reserve of the main engine for electricity generation, rather than relying solely on auxiliary engines, which has been the traditional method. This results in more fuel-efficient energy production and greater flexibility in managing power distribution throughout the vessel.
WinGD’s specialized expertise in two-stroke engines enables the company to optimize the potential for electricity generation from the main engine. Furthermore, their advanced digital capabilities support both the initial configuration of the integrated energy system, including the development of its control strategies, as well as its ongoing management and optimization during the vessel’s operational life.
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Source: WinGD
