If you think Frugal Propulsion is the thing for you – it probably is! Call or write us an e-mail – or maybe come visit. It is good to talk.
An automated on-top system optimizing RPM and pitch – applicable for vessels with controllable pitch propeller (CPP). Our system is packed into a separate control panel on the vessel – interacting with a wide range of sensors as well as the main engine. HMI touch screens for control room as well as on the bridge – with an “Autopilot” thrust control feature that lets you choose between constant speed or constant power mode. All engine protection and alarm systems are maintainted.
Frugal Propulsion is an on-top system that integrates with the existing propulsion control system (PCS) onboard a vessel. Frugal Propulsion comes complete with:
– Frugal control cabinet (serves as sensor data collection point as well as integration point with vessel control system).
– Touch screen (HMI) in control room (optional)
– Touch screen (HMI on the bridge)
– Cloud connection (Intelligent calculation engine – responsible for data storage and calculation of optimum propeller curves.)
– Expanded business intelligence: A turn-key data visualization web interface and an open API enables you to add new value to your existing business intelligence solution.
– VFD (phase 2)
Phase 1:
Results : Significant fuel and CO2 savings and improved propulsion control.
Phase 2 :
Results : Significant reduction of maintenance costs due to limited need for auxiliary engines
Verified integration with leading vessel engine manufactures
The challenge of optimal fuel consumption
When an engine is specified for a specific vessel engineers will typically calculate operation points where the vessel has lowest fuel consumption. But in real life the performance is not ideal and by experience we have found that it is possible to optimize the fuel consumption much more.
To ensure that a vessel is operated efficiently across a range of speeds and conditions an up to date collection of best efficiency points is required. And based on this a vessel should have its propulsion settings.
Based on continuous measurements from several sensors on the vessel and intelligent algorithems the Frugal propulsion solution calculates the optimal efficiency points of RPM and propeller pitch for a specific navigator chosen speed. And the algorithm is constantly optimized so changing conditions calibrates the propulsion solution always providing the optimal utilization of fuel consumption.
Once installed, Frugal Propulsion is part of the remote control system (RCS), much like any other control handle on the bridge. Activating and deactivating Frugal Propulsion is done using standard take over procedures as defined by the PCS vendor. All engine protection and alarm systems remain intact, just as they should be.
Using Frugal propulsion is equally easy. Use the thrust buttons or the on-screen thrust slider to set the desired thrust and that is it. Everything else, and that is quite a bit, happens
