The photovoltaic power generation modules installed on the STX Dove, each 25 m wide and 11 m long, can generate a maximum of 24 kW from a total of 240 heat collection plates. The modules provide 5% of the electric power required for the operation of the ship including that for the engine control system, the air handling unit, lighting system, etc. Photo credit STX Group
STX Pan Ocean recently installed a photo-voltaic power generation system on its ocean-going 60,396 gt car carrier STX Dove, the first such system to be fitted to a Korean vessel.
Through the modification of the module, STX plans to increase the output up to 60 kW this year and 120 kW in 2013. The company expects that it can ultimately provide approximately 30% of the power necessary for the operation of the ship by making use of solar energy, and in so doing decrease CO2 emissions as well as make a discernible saving in the bunker fuel bill.
Of all ships, the specialised car carrier, with its high freeboard and relatively uncluttered ‘garage roof’ weather deck allows for substantial arrays of solar panels to be easily installed out of harm’s way, and is best suited to capitalise on the sun’s free energy; features earlier recognised by Japanese interests.