Decarbonising the Shipping Sector: A Critical Analysis on the Application of Waste Heat for Refrigeration in Fishing Vessels

Abstract

The integration of sorption systems on-board fishing vessels has been explored in the last decade, but the limitations in power density and temperature levels achievable have hindered their application. In the present paper, the integration of hybrid sorption–compression systems was evaluated. Different shipping vessels and routes in seas and oceans were considered in the analysis, with engine powers from 190 kW to 500 kW. The feasibility of series and cascade configurations was studied and the possible benefits, in terms of fuel and CO2 savings, were evaluated. The analysis, which also considered the payload due to the extra fuel needed to transport the equipment for refrigeration, showed that up to 75% savings can be obtained, with CO2 emissions avoided up to 20 t/y.

Innovative Waste Heat Valorisation Technologies for Zero-Carbon Ships - A Review

“…Some reviews have been published which focus on specific applications of engine WHR. Palomba et al [11] evaluated the feasibility of applying WHR for powering on-board refrigeration and cooling systems on fishing vessels with some suggestions for system configurations and integration, while Xu et al [7] specifically reviewed the available technologies for on-board refrigeration which were broadly categorised into absorption, adsorption and hybrid refrigeration system, with a partial focus on components. Zhu et al [8] specifically reviewed marine engine WHR with bottoming power cycles, which consist of traditional Steam Rankine Cycles, Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC), and Kalina cycles.…”

“…Various modifications and more advanced configurations can be implemented to increase overall cooling power or rate of desalination. Three [53] and four [54] bed systems have been investigated, along with hybrid systems specifically designed for fishing vessel refrigeration [11] which combine adsorption refrigeration with conventional vapour compression systems. Adsorption refrigeration is a novel technology, thus techno-economic data is sparse.…”

Future Sustainable Maritime Sector: Energy Efficiency Improvement and Environmental Impact Reduction for Fishing Carriers Older than 20 Years in the Fleet Part II

“…Energy efficiency technologies [6][7][8][9] can be adapted to ship systems where there is high potential for cutting costs: air lubrication systems, wind-assisted propulsion [10] such as Flettner rotors, kite and sail propulsion, marine battery systems, or any energy storage systems [11], waste heat recovery systems [12][13][14] or energy recovery systems, exhaust gas cleaning systems [15] according to requirements set by maritime regulations, propeller efficiency retrofit, rudder efficiency retrofit, operated system or equipment auxiliary saving technologies to reduce energy consumption, shaft generators, engine tuning, trim optimization, coating or antifoul evaluation, cold ironing, HVAC&R to improve energy efficiency, and insulation improvements to reduce energy losses.…”