13 Dicembre 2015 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, will provide the power, automation and turbocharging capabilities for the most advanced port icebreaker ever built. It will maximize fuel efficiency and maneuverability by including four Azipod thrusters, adapted for the tough ice conditions and DC Grid system, to distribute energy effectively. The main engine will also be fitted with Power2 800-M, the most advanced two-stage turbocharging system in the industry enabling highest efficiency turbocharging performance. Peter Terweisch, Group Senior Vice President, Process Automation commented, “ABB’s marine applications are at the forefront of the icebreaking market with our process automation technology now central to the world’s most advanced icebreaking vessel. We are very pleased to be able to deliver industry leading levels of efficiency and safety by providing so many ABB latest generation solutions on one vessel.” The vessel will benefit from ABB’s Onboard DC Grid system, which has many advantages. It provides space and weight saving whilst minimizing noise and vibration. One of the key advantages of the DC Grid is that it allows diesel engines to run at variable speeds, rather than one fixed speed, which is important when managing ice conditions. This flexibility can also cut fuel use and emissions. Two pairs of Azipod thrusters will be fitted on the bow and stern of the ship, all of which will be adapted to the conditions. They will be equipped with powerful electric motors (3MWs each). One of the crucial benefits of Azipod propulsion is that they turn 360 degrees, allowing the ship’s crew to maneuverer the vessel to operate stern or bow first. Mika Hovilainen at Aker Arctic, responsible for developing this unique vessel concept, says “The harbor icebreaker is a totally new concept especially developed for heavy harbor ice conditions with extensive thick brash ice. Having four Azipod units helps to take operability, maneuverability and ice management capability to one step further. Along with ABB Marine and Ports, we continue to be at the cutting edge of icebreaking technology.” Integrated Power and Energy Management System and Marine Automation System brings together main elements of the ships performance, like power generation and propulsion, into a centralized system allowing the operator to increase efficiency and safety. The Power2 800-M two-stage turbocharging system on the icebreaker’s Wärtsilä 31 engine, will further enhance fuel efficiency and also flexibility of operations. With a low pressure and high pressure stage, it provides higher air pressure ratios, up to 12 from 8 in the previous generation. Compared to a single-stage turbocharger operating at 65-70% efficiency, Power2 800-M goes beyond 75% efficiency, the only system currently available across the large engine industry with this capability. It responds to the need for new marine engine technology to offer consistency of performance across conventional and newer marine fuel options. This application will demonstrate the advances in efficiency and power density now available for four-stroke engines operating across a wide range of load profiles and facing added demands of emissions legislation. The vessel will be built by Vyborg Shipyard in Russia.
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