SHAPOLI

BACKGROUND

Shaft Power Limitation (ShaPoLi) was developed to help vessels limit their fuel consumption - and crucially their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions - by restricting the output power of the propeller shaft(s). Implementing ShaPoLi is a proven method for projects where vessels have an excess of installed propulsion power following the re-design of a propeller aimed at new operational requirements, and particularly for ships having more than one engine per propeller shaft. ShaPoLi optimises a ship’s propulsion and blade design to the fullest and brings additional fuel savings and CO2 emissions reduction.

Upgrading the ship’s propulsion control system with a ShaPoLi function can also enable a simple, cost-effective and rapid compliance with the new EEXI regulatory measure - which sets new requirements for the reduction of the carbon intensity of sailing fleets.

UPGRADE COMPATIBILITY

Solution compatibility and scope will vary depending on the system to be upgraded and requirements for compliance. Our ShaPoLi technology can easily be integrated into latest generation KONGSBERG remote propulsion control systems (AutoChief 600, CanMan, Helicon X3, Mcon). A shaft torque and speed measurement system - such as KONGSBERG’s patented MetaPower Quad solution - is required to provide real-time, high-accuracy input values based on which shaft power will be regulated.

Additional upgrade packages have been developed to enable power limitation by control systems of earlier generations. These packages may include extended upgrades, partial system retrofitting or a complete modernisation solution that will secure long-term compliance, operability and supportability for the systems.

Alternative scopes are also available for ships that are not equipped with a control system supplied by Kongsberg Maritime. A solution can consist of the stand-alone installation of our MetaPower Quad system fitted to enable data visualisation, logging and warning functions to help the ship become compliant with the new IMO regulation. Kongsberg Maritime is also able to refit the ship’s propulsion control system with a state-of-the-art solution that will include the power limiting functionality.

SOFTWARE

ShaPoLi can be supplied with or without an override function depending on projects. The overriding capability will be delivered as part of upgrade projects undertaken for EEXI compliance as per the certification’s requirements.

HARDWARE

Minor hardware add-ons may be needed. EEXI compliance upgrades require the installation of an override panel and additional I/O module in accordance with the IMO’s requirements for overriding and logging capabilities.

SHAPOLI WORKING PRINCIPLES

ShaPoLi is fully supported by the AutoChief 600 remote propulsion control system, where shaft power and torque are measured by the MetaPower Quad solution and used as inputs to regulate power. ShaPoLi limits the shaft power output by altering the RPM setpoint for electronically controlled engines driving Fixed Pitch Propellers (FPP) or the pitch setpoint for Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP).

For CanMan-, Helicon X3- and Mcon-controlled propulsion systems, the built-in load limitation
features will be applied to make sure that the maximum allowable shaft power is not exceeded. If
the installation comprises shaft generators, separate signals will ensure that the ShaPoLi level is not affected by Power Take-Off (PTO). A shaft torque meter input is prepared for in the systems (e.g. MetaPower). CanMan, Helicon X3 and Mcon ShaPoLi are compatible with most external governor systems, including IP converter systems.

SHAPOLI OVERRIDE

The override function allows the operator to exceptionally use the propeller above the predefined
shaft power limit in order to handle situations where the use of additional power (reserve power) is needed to ensure the safety of the crew and the ship. In the event of an override, the information will be sent to and logged by an external recording system (e.g. Voyage Data Recorder) for documentation and reporting purposes.

UPGRADE PACKAGE FOR EEXI AND CII COMPLIANCE

Additional initiatives and upgrades may be recommended as part of a vessel’s compliance project, both to ensure compliance with the one-time EEXI certification and to limit the negative impact of power limiting technologies on a ship’s operations. These measures can include propeller reblading, propulsion optimisation and hull modifications (e.g. bulb, appendages). Get in touch with our experts from the KONGSBERG Hydrodynamics Research Centre (KHRC) and get to know the efficiency improvement potential of your vessel and optimal combination of upgrades for maximised sustainability benefits.