Application of Hybrid Turbochargers Onboard Ships

Abstract

As all global industries are pushing towards net zero emissions, sustainable energy production plays a vital role. In the maritime domain, hybrid turbochargers can help in achieving this objective. Hybrid turbochargers are waste heat recovery devices that utilize the exhaust gas from the main propulsion engine to rotate the turbine and on the other end of the turbine shaft, there is an alternator. This reduces the fuel oil consumption of the auxiliary engines which are the prime movers for the alternators as now some portion of the electricity requirements is served by the turbo alternator. Also, it eradicates the use of auxiliary blowers that have to be used for the starting of the engines. Therefore, the use of hybrid turbochargers leads to lower fuel consumption, lesser cost of electricity generation and lower emission levels.

Keywords: Hybrid turbochargers, alternator, auxiliary blowers, lower fuel consumption