It is estimated that up to 30% of the total energy consumption of a passenger ship comes from HVAC systems for cabins, public areas and galley ventilation. When the ship is berthed in the port, the HVAC system even becomes the main energy consumer. Needless to say, the HVAC system is not a negligible value and the gains with regards to energy efficiency are more than clear.
Where are the energy savings?
The total energy consumption of a HVAC system can be divided amongst the following area's:
- Chillers
- Air Handling Units and Fans
- Pumps
The main benefits:
- Chiller energy consumption can be reduced up to 25%
- Improved efficiency, especially at part-load
- Negligible start-up current
- Accurate capacity control
- Equipment operates at lowest motor speed.
When multiple chillers are installed, a new high efficiency chiller can be used as a lead chiller to take care of the variable load and existing conventional chillers as backup operating at near full-load whenever they come on.