PLUG - Power Generation During Loading and Unloading
Overview
Background & policy context:
Until now power interfaces between carriers and terminals have had limited capabilities (less than 1 MW), they do not meet liquefied natural gas (LNG) or crude carriers safety requirements, and operate at a low voltage (440 volts). Furthermore they involve risky manual handling of heavy cables by the crew.
There is an emerging requirement to allow a higher power exchange between carriers and terminals in order to:
- reduce local harbour emissions by supplying the carriers from the shore via onshore RES (renewable energy sources) (wind-powered) when available;
- use the carrier's onboard power generation capability as a 'shadow' power source to meet power consumption demands if RES are not available.
Objectives:
The PLUG project aims at developing a 'hands off' concept where a single crew member can perform the connection/disconnection task without directly handling the power connector and the power cables. It also features the quick emergency safe disconnection capability required for LNG and crude carriers.
In addition, PLUG addresses the development of operational crew and terminal procedures and of data exchange systems between all the stakeholders (charter companies, crews, ship owners, customs, terminal operators, power traders, power networks, power consumers or providers, etc.) in order to allow an easy and user-friendly power exchange operation without impairing cargo handling systems.
Methodology:
The following work is carried out during the project:
- design, manufacture and test of 6,600 volt connector;
- design and manufacture of a full-size power line demonstrator;
- develop safety analysis to meet LNG carrier and terminal safety requirements;
- establish operational procedures relevant to both crews and terminals;
- develop a 'link to the market' data exchange system between all the stakeholders to support their power exchange strategy.
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