17 Dec 2008 07:00
Embargoed Release: 07:00hrs Wednesday 17 December 2008
Zenergy Power plc (`Zenergy' or the `Group') HTS Ship Propulsion Grant European Commission Project
Zenergy Power plc (AIM:ZEN.L), the specialist manufacturer and developer of commercial applications for high-temperature superconductive (`HTS') materials, is pleased to announce its participation in a ¢â€š¬21.5 million maritime propulsion project funded by the European Commission. As a result of its participation, the Group will receive funding to develop a range of HTS motors and generators designed for deployment in commercial ships using energy efficient all electrical drive systems. It is the Commission's belief that wider deployment of these electrical systems would reduce significantly the CO2 emissions generated by the transportation of people and goods by the shipping industry.
Named 'POSEIDON', the project will commence in January 2009 and will develop the concept of the electric ship by producing a land-based scaled demonstrator of an integrated electric ship based on cutting-edge technologies and, in particular, a selection of HTS materials and components. Working in conjunction with its collaborative partner, Converteam SAS ('Converteam'), Zenergy will supply the enabling HTS components and coils for the demonstrator's motors and generators. Converteam will construct and supply the HTS generators to the overall project coordinator, BMT Defence Services Limited. It is expected that Zenergy's expenditure to convert its proven HTS coil technology for use in maritime applications will amount to just ¢â€š¬1.1 million, and that it will receive an ¢â€š¬850,000 contribution towards this from the European Commission. The project is expected to last for 4 years and includes over 30 participants including Nexans FR, Rolls-Royce Power Engineering and The European Maritime Equipment Council.
The concept of the all electric ship is widely recognised as offering a number of operational, cost and environmental benefits to ship operation. These include, among other aspects, flexibility of control and effectiveness of power transmission. However, most importantly it is recognised that all electric propulsion systems enable higher energy efficiencies and cost savings which are not achievable using conventional mechanical transmission systems.
The European Commission has highlighted the need to enhance the electric ship concept to make it suitable for use by a wider range of vessels. Specifically, the Commission identifies the principal barrier to adoption of the electric ship concept as being problems posed by the size of the electrical equipment required. It therefore proposes that if a size reduction in the electrical propulsion system can be achieved, then adopting the electric ship concept in a wider range of merchant ships will, as described above, be achievable and hence drive a reduction in emissions and diminish the impact of shipping on global warming.
Working alongside Converteam, Zenergy will contribute the enabling HTS coils and components that are intended to demonstrate the significant role that HTS technology will play in reducing the size of these systems. Currently, only 1% of the world's shipping fleet use electrical propulsion systems even though they deliver substantial increases in efficiency and a consequential reduction in emissions. This saving is particularly significant when it is considered that the UN has reported that in 2008 the global shipping industry was responsible for 3.6% of the world's total CO2 emissions. This equates to 1.12 billion tonnes of CO2; a level that far exceeds the amount of CO2 produced by the global aerospace industry which reported a CO2 level of 650 million tonnes in 2008.
2nd Generation HTS ('2G')
As previously noted the HTS industry as a whole is developing a new class of HTS materials known as 2G. The purpose of which is to greatly reduce the production costs of HTS. Zenergy has been developing its is own proprietary production techniques for 2G which have resulted in joint development agreements with ThyssenKrupp GmbH and Honeywell, as well as funding allocations from the German Environmental Fund, the U.S Department of Energy and the European Commission. With respect to its development of these 2G processes, it is noted with pleasure by the Director's of Zenergy that the coils produced for the ship demonstrator will be constructed using only 2G wires. Accordingly, it is anticipated that Zenergy will become the first company in the world to manufacture HTS coils for motor and generator applications using only 2G wire materials.
Derek Grieve, Director of Technology Converteam UK Ltd., commented:
"This advanced HTS approach is a breakthrough in realising the `Green Ship' vision and will be a major landmark in the way ships are designed and built in the future."
Jens Mƒ¼ller, CEO of Zenergy, commentated:
"I am delighted that we are able to apply our technology to this project whichsees our first move into the maritime market. In particular this demonstratesthat by focussing on core HTS technology development we are able to enter intonew global markets without having to make significant resource investments inresearch and development." -Ends- Further informationAndrew Tan Zenergy Power Plc + 49 2226 9060 668 Vikki Krause Hansard Group + 44 207 245 1100 Andrew Godber/Katherine Roe Panmure Gordon & Co + 44 207 459 5742 About Zenergy Power plc
Zenergy Power plc is a global specialist manufacturer and developer of commercial applications for superconductive materials. Comprising three operating subsidiaries located in Germany, USA and Australia, Zenergy is highly focussed on the commercialisation of a number of energy efficient applications to be adopted in energy intensive industrial processes, power distribution and renewable power generation. Zenergy achieved the world's first sale of an industrial scale HTS induction heater which is now in operation.
About superconductivity
Superconductive materials are capable of conducting electricity without any resistance and were first discovered in 1911 in what was to prove to be one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century.
Superconductors enable:
(a) Induction Heaters to be twice as efficient for the metals industry
(b) Fault Current Limiters to protect power grids from blackouts
(c) Direct-drive wind generators to be significantly reduced in size and weight allowing the operation of wind generators in excess of 8 MW
(d) Existing hydro-power sites to upgrade to energy efficient Hydro-generators
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