Rubber Tired Gantry Cranes

BluVert reduces emissions and fuel use in Rubber Tire Gantry (RTG) cranes

Port Operations worldwide are actively looking to address challenges of emissions and fuel use. Largely dependent on an ageing fleet of Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes, operators can now convert their existing fleet with the BluVert variable speed generator (VSG) and energy storage system.

Gantry cranes have highly variable loads, which cause the generator to run at <25% average load. BluVert’s technology offers immediate fuel savings by right-sizing the generator for the average load demand, and supplementing energy requirements with stored energy from supercapacitors.

The BluVert Core Energy Module (CEM) allows our generator to pair with any diesel engine and RTG brand.

Working with a local operator, we modeled a system to showcase how BluVert could replace their existing 455kW synchronous genset with a 100kW VSG and sufficient energy storage to provide 350kW for 15 seconds. The BluVert system saves 60% fuel (120,000 liters per year) and results in a return on investment of less than 2 years.

Benefits:

  • Regenerative Braking – energy is recaptured when containers are lowered, reducing the amount of power required from the generator.
  • BluVert VSG – the generator size can be reduced to meet the average load demand, because the energy storage handles all peak power requirements. The variable speed generator (VSG) handles saved fuel while matching the load demand.The variable speed generator (VSG) saves fuel by matching the generator speed and output to the load demand.
  • Maintenance Savings – the smaller generator runs at a higher average load, virtually eliminating side effects related to under loading a diesel engine (i.e. fouling, slobbering, wet-stacking and visible emissions). This is especially important with Tier 4 engines that have issues operating at very low load.  (If load is too low, exhaust heat drops below optimal temperature.)  This causes back pressure build-up in the after treatment requiring the system to be isolated from the load to allow the Engine to run in a special mode for a long enough period to “clean itself out”.   This can last up to an hour.
  • BluVert CEM – The BluVert Core Energy Module regulates power distribution to and from the generator, energy storage, crane and travel system.

If you’re looking for a secure energy source with quality power, low emissions and a low lifecycle cost, contact BluVert Technology Inc for further information.