The technology group Wärtsilä has inaugurated its new Hybrid Centre, the first of its kind in the world. The facility represents an innovative concept that will enable further development and deployment of the Wärtsilä HY hybrid power module, while at the same time providing customers with the possibility to experience the benefits of the Wärtsilä HY. It will also be used to train crews and provide hands-on experience for technicians. The inauguration ceremony took place on October 17.
The centre, located in Trieste, Italy, is the world’s first real-scale hybrid centre comprising an engine, batteries, power drives, a propeller load simulator utilising an electric motor, a power take off/in motor generator, together with the overall energy management system, the ‘brain’ of the Wärtsilä HY. It will be capable of simulating operational data from the field, which will thus enable optimisation of the hybrid system to reach unprecedented levels.
The investment will, by providing owners and operators the chance to experience and familiarise themselves with the Wärtsilä HY, accelerate the introduction of hybrid technologies to the marine market, thereby boosting the environmental sustainability of shipping. Successful testing has already been carried out on Wärtsilä’s patented electric start-up procedure, utilising the power from batteries to deliver a smokeless start of the main engine.
“Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine approach to delivering greater efficiencies, improved safety, and enhanced sustainability is once again demonstrated with this innovative Hybrid Centre. This unique concept clearly shows the commitment we have to leading the industry towards a cleaner and more cost-effective future,” says Stefan Wiik, Vice President, Marine Power Solutions, Wärtsilä.
In addition to being used to validate hybrid technologies, the centre will also welcome customer groups to learn in very practical terms the technical aspects of the Wärtsilä HY, as well as the value adding benefits it offers. Additionally, the energy generated by the centre will be fed to the factory grid to provide sustainable power to the company’s production facilities.
Image caption:The new Wärtsilä Hybrid Centre will provide customers with the opportunity to learn more about the Wärtsilä HY hybrid power module.
Media contacts:
Mr Giulio Tirelli
Director, Sales and Business Intelligence
Marine Power Solutions
Wärtsilä Marine Solutions
Tel: +39 040 319 5654
giulio.tirelli@wartsila.com
Ms Marit Holmlund-Sund
General Manager, Positioning, Marine Solutions Marketing
Wärtsilä Corporation
Tel: +358 10 709 1439
marit.holmlund-sund@wartsila.com
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2017, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.9 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com