Opportunities for peak shaving the energy demand of ship-to-shore quay cranes at container terminals

Abstract

This paper presents the results of both a qualitative and a quantitative study on the possibilities for peak shaving the energy demand of ship-to-shore (STS) cranes at container terminals. The objective is to present an energy consumption model that visualizes the energy demand of STS cranes and to show the possibilities for reducing the peak demand of STS cranes by implementing rules of operation (i.e. changes to the business operational procedures). The results show that the peak demand (and peak-related costs) can be reduced by 50%, with an increase in the handling time of containerships of less than half a minute per hour handling time. This can be achieved by reducing the maximum energy demand of all operating STS cranes or by limiting the maximum number of simultaneously lifting STS cranes. If (one of) these rules of operation is implemented, an intermediate container terminal with six to eight STS cranes can save up to €250,000 per year, which is about 48% of total peak-related energy costs.

Future Greener Seaports: A Review of New Infrastructure, Challenges, and Energy Efficiency Measures

“…This leads to high electricity consumption at certain periods. Peak shaving becomes an essential operational strategy to decrease peak power utilization in the port area [121]. Fig.…”

“…These methods of peak shaving can be implemented to ensure successful maneuvers of reefer containers, QCs, and electrified equipment [121]. This strategy, in turn, decreases the variable cost of power utilization as the tariff of the variable cost depends on peak power utilization.…”

“…Almost 25% to 30% of monthly electricity bills may be attributed to a higher tariff [122]. The STS cranes are one of the significant energy users in the port, which inspires the authors in [121] to suggest minimizing the numbers of QCs for the concurrent lifting of containers as QCs synchronization lessens the energy utilization during peak hours.…”

A Review of the Conceptualization and Operational Management of Seaport Microgrids on the Shore and Seaside

“…The outcome shows that the higher amount of the peak load absorbed by the UC results in more operational earning. Harry Geerlings et al [122] investigate the effectiveness of the peak shaving at container terminal (CT) by applying 'new rules of operation' with the aim of cost-saving while analyzing its effect on the handling time of containerships. They highlighted that peak shaving method not only reduces the handling cost at CT but also enhances the power stability.…”

Energy Efficiency in European Ports: State-Of-Practice and Insights on the Way Forward

“…It should be noted at this point, that naturally any process undertaken for optimizing a single or a set of port operations, also induces energy gains, among other benefits that are realized to this end (i.e., time and cost savings), These usually account for the main objective of most optimization efforts. Although the scientific literature on port optimization is vast, with more recent approaches also integrating energy considerations into their methods [27][28][29][30], the level to which those have been applied in real operational environments, and even more the extent to which energy aspects are being taken into consideration by the operational planning teams of port authorities and/or terminal operators, is not very easy to determine. Relevant information does not usually become publicly available, nor is it promoted through any other means (e.g., shared through relevant presentations in events targeting port sustainability).…”