Emissions can reduce with virtual fuel meters
(Posted on 07/01/19)
By utilising waste heat recovery and using modern technology like machine learning to create virtual fuel meters, the shipping sector can reduce both its emissions and its fuel consumption. This is shown in a new dissertation by Fredrik Ahlgren at Kalmar maritime academy at Linnaeus University.
The ships of today collect large quantities of data from their engines and machines when operating, like engine speed, temperatures, and pressure. During the work on his dissertation, Fredrik Ahlgren, doctor of maritime science at Linnaeus University, got the idea to combine these data in order to use machine learning to create virtual fuel meters. These can then show the consumption in real-time without having to install physical fuel meters.
“The virtual fuel meters can help crews bring their ships forward in a more energy-efficient way. Thereby also reducing emissions of hazardous substances like greenhouse gases and other pollutants”, explains Fredrik Ahlgren.
The shipping sector is facing a major challenge to radically reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide, particles that are hazardous to the environment and to human health, and sulphur and nitrogen oxides.
“Today, emissions from the shipping sector make up roughly 11 percent of the total carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector. If we are to succeed in our work to reduce global climate change and reduce the effects of air pollution on human health, we must work with many methods at the same time”, says Ahlgren.
In addition to the implementation of new technology like machine learning and artificial intelligence, the shipping sector can become more energy-efficient by making better use of the waste heat from ships’ engines. In his dissertation, Fredrik Ahlgren has also made an extensive analysis of how the energy system on board a cruise ship works. This mapping resulted in knowledge about how waste heat in cooling water and exhaust fumes can be better utilised in existing and new equipment on board ships. In particular, Ahlgren studied how an intended installation of a so-called Organic Rankine Cycle can convert waste heat to electricity.
Fredrik Ahlgren publicly defended his doctoral thesis on 13 December and his dissertation has attracted great interest.
“So far, on request, I have sent a couple of hundred copies of the dissertation to different office holders within the shipping sector in northern Europe. This shows that machine learning and artificial intelligence are hot topics and important pieces of the puzzle to create a more sustainable shipping sector.”
Latest News
OceanScore: Data-driven decisions should define FuelEU compliance strategy
(Posted on 19/01/25)Ship managers must navigate tricky commercial terrain to mitigate their financial exposure as DOC holder... Read more
Inmarsat and Maritime London establish SEA-CARE working group
(Posted on 10/01/25)Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, supported by Maritime London, have established SEA-CARE as a new... Read more
Chowgule partners with LR to develop first-ever ESG report and strategy
(Posted on 07/01/25)Chowgule & Co., a leading shipbuilding and engineering conglomerate in India, is partnering with... Read more
Martin Engineering opens new business unit in Kazakhstan
(Posted on 17/12/24)A world leader in bulk handling solutions, Martin Engineering, has announced fresh expansion in Central... Read more
Zelim appoints USCG SAR expert for North American expansion
(Posted on 17/12/24)Edinburgh-headquartered maritime safety innovator Zelim has appointed a former Commander of the United... Read more
Telestack secures prestigious Mibau Stema aggregates handling contract
(Posted on 11/12/24)Telestack has announced a significant new contract with Mibau Stema, secured in collaboration with long... Read more
Deployment of Starlink/VSAT Hybrid connectivity on 58 Vroon vessels completed
(Posted on 11/12/24)KVH Industries, Inc. has announced that, together with international shipping leader Vroon, they have... Read more
Damen advances sustainable dockings with shore power from Elma Systems
(Posted on 04/12/24)Damen Shiprepair Oranjewerf is giving a green boost to ship repair, maintenance, conversion and refit... Read more
Superior’s TeleStacker Conveyor automation gets major upgrade
(Posted on 29/11/24)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
Superior opens new manufacturing facility in Minnesota
(Posted on 20/11/24)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
