Utilising peak shaving for energy efficiency

Peak shaving, a technology offered by Barillec Marine, is used by energy suppliers and distributors in terrestrial networks. It allows load peaks to be absorbed and the necessary power to be released when required.

To avoid oversized diesel engines, Barillec Marine advises the installation of a storage system that optimises the energy production necessary for very short timeframes. “The solution is adapted for managing highly variable load peaks, without polluting emissions. Reducing the installed capacity also reduces fuel costs, operating costs and maintenance costs,” said the company.

Scaled production

Additionally, peak shaving allows energy production to be scaled according to the ship’s nominal operating needs, and not to the worst-case operating scenario.

Due to the solution proposed by Barillec Marine, the installed diesel power can be as much as halved, energy efficiency is improved and maintenance costs reduced. For a ship refit, integrating peak shaving into the existing installation optimises the efficacy of a hybrid fossil/electric propulsion system.

For a ship that makes four-minute trips every quarter of an hour up to 30 times a day, the estimated fuel saving is around 20%.

“This capital expenditure can be made for new or existing boats, as the fuel savings alone justify the cost. There are also benefits in terms of navigating comfort, noise reduction and the nuisances associated with the smell of diesel!,” said Barillec Marine.

By Rebecca Jeffrey