Ports Products

Hybrid Equipment

Climate change, energy independence, sustainability — these are all topics that have come to the forefront in Americans’ lives. Even President Obama’s election was in part due to these issues.

Companies are responding to these challenges in a variety of ways, including hybrid technology. Vendors believe options will only increase as the technology develops. Below are just a few available today.

COMPANY: Kalmar Industries Oy Ab
PRODUCT: Kalmar Hybrid Straddle Carrier
FUNCTION/SPECIAL FEATURES: Kalmar hybrid technology reduces fuel consumption and exhaust emissions without impairing performance. Fuel saving potential is up to 25-30% and reduction of CO2 emissions is over 50 tonnes per year, per Straddle Carrier. Lower fuel consumption reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO). Kalmar hybrid technology is available for Kalmar ESC W Straddle Carriers and can optionally be added on new Straddle Carriers.

HOW IT WORKS: Kalmar’s hybrid system consists of three different modules: variable speed diesel generator, electrically controlled viscous fan, and an energy storage system. Variable speed diesel generator set optimizes fuel consumption and reduces noise emissions. Electrically controlled viscous fan is used only when cooling is needed, helping to optimize fuel consumption. Energy storage system stores energy when the Straddle Carrier is braking or when the container is being lowered. The regenerated energy is used to reduce diesel engine power usage when hoisting or accelerating. Kalmar PLC control optimizes the hybrid energy storage system. The system includes an energy monitor display where the user can easily follow the energy flow and adjust his driving habits to save even more fuel.

CLIENTS: PSA HNN, Belgium, Tilbury Container Services, England

Website: www.kalmarind.com

COMPANY: Foss Maritime Co.

PRODUCT: World’s first hybrid tug

FUNCTION: To reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, without minimizing power.

SPECIAL FEATURES: Tugs often spend the majority of their time at low power or idle, and high horsepower is used infrequently. The hybrid technology optimizes the power sources — engines, generators, and batteries run only when needed. Benefits include better fuel consumption (20 to 30 percent), reduced emissions, the ability to use shore power, reduced life cycle costs, and reduced noise.

HOW IT WORKS: The Dolphin hybrid has smaller main engines, auxiliary generators, decoupled propulsion, motor generators, and a battery bank. The propulsion system is the same as a conventional Dolphin, but the hybrid has two 1,200 HP motor generator sets and a 600 HP battery bank. It operates in four power bands that are seamless to the operator. Tugs spend 65% of their time in minimal emissions mode — 0 to 5% power range — during idle periods of low speed/no wake maneuvering. It is during this mode the main engines are off-line, and the tug uses the batteries for the hotel load and station-keeping maneuvering. An auxiliary generator comes on as needed to recharge the batteries.

CLIENTS: Foss customers can be found across the Pacific Rim, Europe, South America, and around the globe.

Website: www.foss.com

COMPANY: Konecranes

PRODUCT: 16 Wheel RTG with Fuel Saver

FUNCTION: Rubber Tired Gantry Crane for stacking containers at ports and intermodal facilities

SPECIAL FEATURES: Depending on the operation, Konecranes Fuel Saving System can reduce noise, fuel consumption, and emissions by up to 40% when compared to conventional RTGs, all without compromising on the productivity of the equipment. Konecranes introduced the first energy saving no-hydraulic RTG in 1995, and there are now close to 500 units in operation around the world, with over 250 of these in the U.S. This 16-wheel model is equipped with Active Load Control, which enables fast container pick up and landing by preventing the sway and eliminating the need for energy consuming gantry or trolley inching. Today the model is equipped with an extensive CMS system and optional advanced DGPS based autosteering and container positioning systems. They can also be fitted with a cable reel system, which reduces the local emissions by 95%.

HOW IT WORKS: Konecranes Fuel Saving System is based on variable speed diesel alternator system, which is driven with optimal efficiency at all operating points. The crane computer, PLC, constantly calculates how much power is needed, and the diesel engine speed is adjusted to be equivalent to the power required. The PLC contains all the intelligence inherent in the system, and it has several cutting edge features.

CLIENTS: Global operators and major terminals around the globe

Website: www.konecranes.com

COMPANY: Kenworth Truck Company

PRODUCT: Kenworth T370 Diesel-Electric Hybrid Tractor

FUNCTION: Kenworth’s T370 hybrid tractors help enhance fuel economy by up to 25 percent for local haul applications, including general freight, beverage and grocery distribution. The fuel savings also result in lower emission levels.

SPECIAL FEATURES: The Kenworth T370 hybrid is powered by the PACCAR PX-6 engine and features an integral transmission-mounted motor/generator, a frame-mounted 340-volt battery pack, and a dedicated power management system.

HOW IT WORKS: Advanced powertrain controls monitor driving conditions and automatically select the ideal power mode, smoothly switching among electric only, combined diesel and electric, and diesel only power modes. Electricity generated through regenerative braking is stored and used for acceleration, assisting the diesel engine. The hybrid system is monitored through a dash display. As the power requirements for different driving conditions change, the screen constantly updates the driver on system status.

CLIENTS: Carlile Transportation

Website: www.kenworth.com