By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Venice Passenger Terminal (VTP) and Abacoingegneria Treviso, which together form the VTP Engineering partnership, has developed a cogeneration, high-voltage shore connection (HVSC) system to provide electrical power for ships berthed at Italy’s Port of Venice.
Using a high efficiency generator with electrical engines connected to alternators, the solution is designed to allow vessels operating with 60 Hertz AC current to connect to Venice’s mains electricity network – limited to 50 Hz – and use electrical power while their engines are turned off.
Modelled on the cold-ironing processes used to reduce pollution emissions at US ports, VTP’s proposed cogeneration plant consists of three internal combustion engines that are capable of producing the electrical energy required for two large cruise ships.
The system uses 80-85 per cent of the energy it produces, generates less pollution than thermal power plants and also reduces energy costs. Heat produced during the plant’s operation can also be used to power air-conditioning and heating systems in both the port and nearby urban areas.
In addition, the facility will take up less harbour space than high- or medium-voltage transformer stations, while on-site cogeneration can be used as an alternative source of energy for ports.