Wärtsilä unveils Low Loss Hybrid energy system at ONS 2014 exhibition

Wärtsilä has unveiled its new low loss hybrid (LLH) energy system at the on-going Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) 2014 exhibition being held in Stavanger, Norway.

The new Wärtsilä LLH has been designed for fuel savings of up to 15% annually, based on the type and configuration of the engine and mission profile.

Integrated with the inverter control units and interfacing with the conventional power management system, the LLH ensures a substantial reduction in exhaust gas emissions.

Different power sources will be used by the system, in combination with energy storage devices, in order to operate the prime movers closest to their optimum performance.

The overall hybrid control system serves as key element for total control and stability of the electrical system and the energy flows of the ship.

Wärtsilä ship power electrical and automation vice-president Juhani Hupli said: "Fuel efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint are central to the current and future needs of the entire marine sector.

"The Wärtsilä low loss hybrid system supports both of these aims and is an important enabler for energy and cost efficient shipping."

The total energy storage system, which secured approval according to the new DNV class rules for battery power, can be used in a variety of market segments, including offshore vessels, tugs, ferries and coastal vessels, for new building as well as upgrade existing installations.

Some of the benefits offered by the Wärtsilä LLH are the ability to reduce transient engine loads, reduced maintenance and increased system performance through rapid response from the energy storage system.

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Image: Wärtsilä’s test facility is equipped to test the LLH integrated with Wärtsilä distribution system. Photo: © 2014 Wärtsilä.