Maritime companies today face stricter legislation on near-shore emissions and often aspire to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Therefore, several shipping companies are engaged in researching more sustainable technologies, such as hybridization and electrification.
Reducing energy consumption is often a priority. This was the case for Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1, which aspired to develop cleaner, more energy-efficient hydraulic technologies intended for its new electric ferries and for an upgrade of its existing fleet.
Increased energy efficiency of the maritime hydraulic system
Fjord1 decided to turn to Dimo AS, a Norwegian systems integrator as well as Parker’s distributor, for expert support on the subject. The client wished to replace existing hydraulic solutions with more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient ones for operating the bow ramp, drive ramp, and other hydraulic functions.
Engineers from Dimo and Parker collaborated to develop the Eco Power Unit (EPU), a more energy-efficient hydraulic power unit for the maritime sector. By combining their respective technologies, the partners have created a modern solution that includes:
AC30 digital drives and market-leading low-noise vane pumps.
Customized hydraulic manifold system with accumulators, which made it possible to contain flow losses between the hydraulic power unit and actuators.
Parker IQAN electronics to control all inverters and hydraulic functions and enable remote diagnostics.
Improved quality of industrial components to adapt to the most demanding maritime conditions.
More energy efficiency, less noise
Using Parker’s Drive Creator simulation tool, old and new hydraulic systems were compared. The data revealed significant improvements in energy efficiency and significant noise reduction in the new system.
The new solution has been implemented in both a fleet of new and existing ferries.
The main results of the initiative include :
Energy consumption reduced by up to 92% compared to conventional hydraulic technologies.
Noise emissions reduced by 20 dB.
Lower total cost of ownership because of the reduced number of valves and no need for cooling.
Improved passenger experience on board
Regardless of the data, there were clear benefits found for both passengers and ferry staff. For example, reducing noise levels has enabled the customer to improve the travel experience for passengers. In addition, the opportunity to take advantage of remote diagnostics has enabled maintenance to be performed much more quickly, thus reducing travel costs.
Article written with input from Jari Rantanen, Parker Application Development Manager
Related content:
Increase the Lifetime of Your Cooling Solution in a Marine Environment
Hydraulic Technologies and Key Markets
Maritime companies today face stricter legislation on near-shore emissions and often aspire to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Therefore, several shipping companies are engaged in researching more sustainable technologies, such as hybridization and electrification.
Reducing energy consumption is often a priority. This was the case for Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1, which aspired to develop cleaner, more energy-efficient hydraulic technologies intended for its new electric ferries and for an upgrade of its existing fleet.
Increased energy efficiency of the maritime hydraulic system
Fjord1 decided to turn to Dimo AS, a Norwegian systems integrator as well as Parker’s distributor, for expert support on the subject. The client wanted to replace existing hydraulic solutions with more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient ones for operating the bow ramp, drive ramp, and other hydraulic functions.
Engineers from Dimo and Parker collaborated to develop the Eco Power Unit (EPU), a more energy-efficient hydraulic power unit for the maritime sector. By combining their respective technologies, the partners have created a modern solution that includes:
AC30 digital drives and market-leading low-noise vane pumps.
Customized hydraulic manifold system with accumulators, which made it possible to contain flow losses between the hydraulic power unit and actuators.
Parker IQAN electronics to control all inverters and hydraulic functions and enable remote diagnostics.
Improved quality of industrial components to adapt to the most demanding maritime conditions.
More energy efficiency, less noise
Using Parker’s Drive Creator simulation tool, old and new hydraulic systems were compared. The data revealed significant improvements in energy efficiency and significant noise reduction in the new system.
The new solution has been implemented in both a fleet of new and existing ferries.
The main results of the initiative include :
Energy consumption reduced by up to 92% compared to conventional hydraulic technologies.
Noise emissions reduced by 20 dB.
Lower total cost of ownership because of the reduced number of valves and no need for cooling.
Improved passenger experience on board
Regardless of the data, there were clear benefits found for both passengers and ferry staff. For example, reducing noise levels has enabled the customer to improve the travel experience for passengers. In addition, the opportunity to take advantage of remote diagnostics has enabled maintenance to be performed much more quickly, thus reducing travel costs.
Article written with input from Jari Rantanen, Parker Application Development Manager
Related content:
Increase the Lifetime of Your Cooling Solution in a Marine Environment
Hydraulic Technologies and Key MarketsParker Hannifin | Parker Hannifin