The GADCOOLER(TM) is a new energy efficient cooler for ships. Based on absorption technology it uses waste heat to provide air conditioning cooling and refrigeration for all types of ships. It can handle all or a part of the cooling needs onboard. GADCOOLER provides major fuel savings for shipowners.
The system uses non-toxic fluids, is practically maintenance-free and can be installed during a normal service docking. The return on investment is short making GadCooler an obvious choice for shipowners when looking for further savings in operational costs.
The GadCooler has been developed by Gadlab Engineering, with patent pending. Heat in the form of steam, rest heat from the engine cooling water or heat from other sources such as boilers is utilized to provide chilled water using a non-toxic absorption fluid as transfer media, replacing the need for onboard cooling compressor capacity.
The system has been successfully applied onboard Eckero Line’s new cruise ferry M/s Finlandia providing remarkable fuel savings.
“GadCooler has fulfilled and even exceeded our expectations in providing cooling at low costs. We expect remarkable savings from the system installed,” says Peter Lundberg, Chief Engineer at M/s Finlandia.
A GadCooler unit with a capacity of approximately 500 kW provides much of the cooling capacity needed onboard the vessel, operating between Helsinki and Tallinn with up to 2,000 passengers and 650 vehicles onboard.
In summertime cooling is typically a major onboard consumer of fuel. On big cruise ships operating in tropical conditions cooling can consume as much as some 10 MW of power. Normally cooling is provided by using cooling compressors.
“GadCooler utilizes existing heat sources for providing cooling in a non-toxic absorption process, resembling the operational principles of gas refrigerators. Only a small amount of energy is needed for the transfer pumps resulting in fuel savings and also in less emissions,” notes Johan Aberg, Naval Architect at Gadlab Engineering.
“We have developed the GadCooler to operate in a maritime environment. This requires specific design considerations to be incorporated. The result is an energy saving, efficient, quiet, and vibration free cooler with a short pay-back time for the owner,” summarizes Managing Director Markus Nuotio.
Gadlab Engineering provides the complete system including connection design with existing onboard systems. The GadCooler is fitted with a smart control system which optimizes the cooling efficiency. The GadCooler has received system approval by DNV GL. It is available as one or several units, each with a cooling power of up to 5,000 kW, still providing a practical system size for convenient installation.
Gadlab Engineering, Helsinki, Finland, designs and implements custom-made solutions for ships and floating structures. Many of the employees at Gadlab Engineering have a shipyard design office background, with essential skills for developing systems for maritime use.
The development project of the GadCooler has received funding from Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation.
Source: GadCooler
