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
BAR Technologies appoints Panmarine to support Greece and Cyprus growth
(Posted on 29/05/26)BAR Technologies has appointed Panmarine & Industrial Services Ltd. as its commercial consultant... Read more
ClassNK releases Guidelines for 3D Model-Based Approval
(Posted on 29/05/26)ClassNK has released the “Guidelines for 3D Model-Based Approval (3DMBA)”, which summarizes... Read more
IRS awards Type Approval Certification to GRSE for Marine Hull and Line Valves
(Posted on 29/05/26)Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is pleased to announce the handover of Type Approval Certificate to... Read more
Superior’s Patriot Cone Crushers gain more horsepower options
(Posted on 29/05/26)Superior Industries, Inc., a US-based manufacturer and global supplier of bulk material processing and... Read more
Partnership creates secure digital backbone for maritime cyber security
(Posted on 25/05/26)A strategic partnership signed between Cydome and Rakuten Maritime aims to provide shipping companies... Read more
Liebherr opens Digital Solutions Campus in Hamburg during TOC Europe
(Posted on 25/05/26)At TOC Europe, Liebherr presented a comprehensive maritime portfolio combining digital tools and its... Read more
ESL Shipping and QMill explore quantum computing for complex shipping decisions
(Posted on 22/05/26)Leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, ESL Shipping, has launched a multi-year research... Read more
Third electric LPS 550 strengthens PD Ports bulk handling capability
(Posted on 14/05/26)An LPS 550 fitted with an electric drive has been delivered to Middlesbrough from Liebherr’s Baltic... Read more
‘Smart ships’ failing to turn data into real intelligence, warns SmartSea
(Posted on 13/05/26)The maritime industry’s push towards “smart shipping” is falling short, with many... Read more
Steelpaint completes trial coating on Mur shipping bulker
(Posted on 11/05/26)Steelpaint GmbH, the German manufacturer of high-performance single-component moisture cure polyurethane... Read more
