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COLD IRONING is the process of providing shore-side electrical power to a ship at berth while its engines are turned off and literally cold and the ship is like an enormous iron. This process can also be called a High Voltage Shore Connection (HVSC) or Alternative Maritime Power. Cold Ironing involves power supply at the jetty to ships at berth for the correct use of on-board services while keeping the ships engines turned off, minimizing the amount of pollution generated.
V.T.P. Engineering, formed by a partnership between Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.A. and Abacoingegneria Treviso s.r.l., proposes an innovative and environmentally friendly solution to the problem of supplying power to ships from jetties when they are at port.
For this reason, VTP Engineering has looked into alternative solutions compared to traditional Cold Ironing that uses the national mains.
Cogeneration also resolves the many problems associated with cold ironing using the national mains network. For instance, it: Resolves problems associated with frequency change (from 50 to 60 Hz), by using electrical engines connected to alternators. Minimizes loss due to transmission and distribution. Produces far less pollution than thermal power plants, as it uses 80-85% of the energy provided by the fuel (instead of 35-53%). Reduces the cost of energy (a return on investment within just a few years as any excess energy is sold to the national grid and the heat energy is used/sold). Generates environmental incentives such as green (GSE) certificates, energy efficiency awards, etc. Uses less space at the harbour than high/medium voltage transformer stations. Cogeneration in situ can be used as an alternative source of energy for ports and surrounding areas, even for emergency situations (and port security).
HVSC power supply for stations and nearby areas, or transfer to the mains network
8.5 MWe
Methane gas 1850m3/h Electrical energy
8.44 MWt
Heat energy
Water at 48C 760 kW Water at 80C 990 kW Water at 89C 2158 kW Fumes at 415C 4530 kW 100-
Loss
1.41 MW
V.T.P. Engineering Tel e fax +39 041 2403051 vtpengineering@vtpengineering.it www.vtpengineering.it
Using cogeneration technology for Cold Ironing at the port can also benefit the town itself as it: Reduces the pollution produced by traffic at the port. Provides clean electrical and heat energy. Reduces urban pollution due to use of heating systems during the cold season.
Therefore, the port can be seen, not only as an opportunity for boosting the towns economy, it can also be considered a resource for promoting sustainable development with respect for the environment.
PORT power requirement Heating at VTP terminals: Electrical power: 5.4 MW 4,0 MW
HISTORICAL CENTRE energy consumed / year (estimate) Domestic heating: Electrical energy for homes: 500,000 MWh 96,000 MWh
The production of electrical and heat energy in 4,500 hours/year using the cogeneration plant
We can safely assume that the plant runs for at least 4,500 hours a year (the engines can run for more than 8,000 hours/year but the transfer of electrical and heat energy has to be certain).
ELECTRICAL ENERGY FOR SHIPS Electrical energy (supplied in 1,500 hours/year): 38,000 MWh
TELEHEATING/COOLING Heat energy/year: 103,000 MWh for use at the port and in the historical centre ELECTRICAL ENERGY FED INTO THE GRID Electrical energy/year: 76,000 MWh
The cogeneration Cold Ironing system is much more convenient the nearer the port is to the town. The cost of infrastructures for teleheating is minimized and the port becomes a primary source of power and a means for combating urban pollution.
Return on investment
The feasibility project naturally includes an economic analysis that takes into account the real situation of the installation and ends with an economic-financial plan concerning return on investment. Although there is no proper legislation in Italy that rewards proactive ventures such as this one, the plant would guarantee a return on investment within a reasonable amount of time. Said return could be further improved by increasing annual operating hours and by using bio-fuels (at current prices, and with strongly incentivizing state policies). Other forms of cold ironing can only put up investment with margins on selling energy to ships, or with other incentives.
The table below gives an idea of unit costs and possible income.
Figures for 4,500 hours/year using gas engines ANNUAL COSTS ANNUAL INCOME
2,280,000
250,000
4,560,000
Maintenance 1112/MWeh
1,300,000
4,000,000
Lubricating oil
130,000
550,000
7,980,000
11,390,000
Rolls - Royce systems (Gas Turbine & Engine Bergen): TELEHEATING in Italy