New, energy efficient cooler technology has been developed that helps to turn waste heat into air conditioning cooling and refrigeration to improve efficiency of ship operations and reduce fuel consumption.
The GadCooler technology is based on absorption, utilising steam, rest heat from the engine cooling water and heat from boilers is to provide chilled water using a non-toxic absorption fluid as a transfer media. This replaces the need for onboard cooling compressor capacity.
Large cruise ships operating in tropical conditions can consume as much as 10 MW power for cooling purposes, which consumes significant amounts of fuel. Conventional cooling compressors are usually used but GadCooler helps to improve efficiency of cooling by using existing heat sources. A small amount of energy is required for the transfer pumps but the savings in fuel and emissions reductions is significant.
The system, which has received system approval from DNV GL is practically maintenance-free and can be installed during normal service docking. It features a smart control system that optimises the cooling efficiency and is available as one or several units, each with a cooling power of up to 5,000 kW to provide maximum flexibility for installation onboard all ship types and sizes.
To date the solution has been installed on Eckero Line’s new cruise ferry M/s Finlandia, evidencing significant fuel savings. The ferry, which operates between Helsinki and Tallin will be able to get much of its cooling capacity needed from GadCooler by using a unit with a capacity of approximately 500 kW.
The GadCooler has been developed by Gadlab Engineering, with patent pending. Gadlab Engineering provides the complete system including connection design with existing onboard systems.
Johan Aberg, Naval Architect at Gadlab Engineering commented: “We have developed the GadCooler to operate in a maritime environment. This requires specific design considerations to be incorporated. The result is an energy saving, efficient, quiet, and vibration free cooler with a short pay-back time for the owner.”
The development project of the GadCooler has also received funding from Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation.
Image: GadCooler Process courtesy of Gadlab Engineering.
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