WinGD makes hybrid energy system integration debut with NYK
WinGD has won a contract to integrate hybrid energy systems on four newbuild car carriers for Japanese owner NYK Line, further expanding the engine developer’s portfolio of future-ready power solutions for companies navigating shipping’s energy transition, according to the company's release.
The four pure car and truck carriers (PCTC) will run on LNG, with WinGD’s 7X62DF-2.1 two-stroke engines coupled with shaft generators, DC-links and battery systems. Based on its in-depth knowledge of the main engine’s performance WinGD has optimized spinning reserves, peak shaving, and energy flow to run the main engine constantly at its sweet spot while avoiding inefficient generator loads. WinGD will be responsible for the system integration and system-level energy management, through WinGD’s new Hybrid Control System.
Combined with other ship design enhancements, the LNG-battery configuration is expected to cut overall CO2 equivalent emissions by around 40% compared to conventionally powered vessels operating on heavy fuel oil, taking them beyond IMO’s 2030 target for cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
WinGD believes that the low-speed two-stroke engine must remain at the heart of any hybrid energy configuration for deep-sea merchant vessels. With its step into system integration, the company brings its expertise to the holistic design of power arrangements that can incorporate batteries, shore power interfaces, solar or wind power generation, fuel cells, frequency converters and energy management systems.
Peak shaving is just one example of the operating modes that hybrid power systems can deploy to make deep-sea shipping more efficient. As low-speed engines are inherently more efficient than four-stroke engines, the carefully managed use of the main engine and electrical energy management aided by batteries can optimise the loading of auxiliary engines. Other modes include efficient port maneuvers and bow thruster operation, and the use of batteries rather than auxiliaries to provide spinning reserve in case of the need for emergency power.
This project marks another significant step forward in WinGD’s commitment to the energy transition within shipping. The expertise gained within the well-established X-DF fleet, paired with customers dedicated to improving the sustainability of their assets, is ensuring progress towards this goal.
The vessels will be built by China Merchants JinLing Shipyard (Nanjing) for delivery in 2023. They are expected to be assigned to transport vehicles mainly between Europe and the Middle East.
WinGD in brief:
WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd.) is a leading developer of two-stroke low-speed gas and diesel engines used for propulsion power in merchant shipping. WinGD sets the industry standard for reliability, safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability. WinGD provides designs, training and technical support to engine manufacturers, shipbuilders, ship operators and owners worldwide. Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since its inception as the Sulzer Diesel Engine business in 1893, it carries on the legacy of innovation in design.
