Page 26 - CARILEC CE Journal CEMAY2021

3 Powerships totaling up to 194 MW are in operation in Port Mariel, Cuba.

ICRE technology based Powerships performs better having flexible & dispatchable generation assets and
than large-scale gas turbines. Whereas even the being able to integrate more renewable generation
fastest gas turbines reach 30 % load after 7 minutes into the generation mix. Concerning the base-
of start time and take up to 30 minutes to reach full load generation assets, trusting fast-response and
output (under hot start conditions), Powerships’ flexible solutions such as medium-speed internal
engines have ultra-quick start capability that can combustion reciprocating engine technology over
reach 100% load under 7 minutes. large-scale CCGT or coal enables utilizing more
Powerships with internal combustion reciprocating renewable sources, faster. The reason for this is
engines have modular units and can operate with simple. Reciprocating engines triumph over others
a stellar performance of 98% availability level even because they have a huge competitive advantage:
with ongoing maintenance. There is no need to shut they can perfectly cope with any and all intermittency
down the whole plant during a major overhaul or problems caused by the renewables.
during regular maintenances, whereas single large
unit technologies like gas turbines are required CASE STUDIES: POWERSHIPS
to have a total shut down during major overhauls IN CUBA AND SENEGAL
and maintenance. Therefore, Powerships utilizing Powerships have proved their success in many
multiple generation units provide versatility whilst different geographies including projects in the
maintaining plant efficiencies. Caribbean, such as the Port of Mariel in Cuba. When
Modularity of the units and partial load capability Cuba decided to bring in additional generation
of Powerships enable adaptation to a wide range of capacity, there were several options. Building a
demand profiles while maintaining high efficiency. land-based power plant would take a minimum of
This flexibility means that a short start-up time 3 to 5 years including all project finance, designing,
or frequent starts-stops have no negative impact construction and commissioning stages, that will
on operation or maintenance schedule. With all eventually create a big environmental impact
the modularity and the flexibility, Powerships problem especially during the construction stage
can do seamless load following, enabling the grid of the project. On top of that, the unserved cost
to accommodate a large volume of intermittent of electricity until the power supplied from new
renewable energy technologies. generation became online would translate into tens
There is a strong positive correlation between of millions of US Dollars, which could eventually be

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