ABB and Parat Halvorsen cooperate on energy recovery system

The inventors: Bjørn Sønnervig (ABB), Kim Kristensen (PARAT) og Sven Sønnervig (ABB). Photo: Bjørn Tore Bjørsvik, Petro Media news


This eco-friendly and cost-effective energy recovery system was the result of a collaboration between ABB and Parat Halvorsen. The technology behind the design is patent pending and was first shown publically during the recent Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.

'This concept is energy efficiency at its best. It is capable of recovering as much as 100 per cent of the regenerative braking power in a drilling system. This will reduce costs and improve the customer’s environmental profile by reducing fuel consumption and limiting emissions. The cooperation between ABB and Parat Halvorsen allow us the opportunity to provide optimal energy generation systems for rigs and vessels,' said Per Erik Holsten, manager of ABB’s oil and gas division.

The system’s innovative design converts electric energy generated while braking a drilling system into hot water or steam which is stored for later use for onboard processes that require large quantities of heat. This replaces energy from oil or gas-powered generators, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and lowers emission levels. The energy accumulation system can also be used to balance energy in the generators. A more even load on the generator system and improved operation of onboard motors allows for less emissions and lower maintenance costs.

Another benefit is gained when the system is installed in the machine room because this equipment does not need to be explosion-proof. This is because the system is constructed of simple materials and uses fresh water with no temperature limitations. That makes it more compact and makes maintenance easy.

'By installing ABB’s new energy recovery system, the customer will be able to cut operating costs significantly and reduce the investment cost for power generation plants by as much as 20 per cent. The possibility of removing expensive saltwater energy circulation systems frees up deck space and provides added value,' said Holsten.

The energy storage and distribution system is patent pending and combines ABB’s expertise in drilling systems with Parat Halvorsen’s years of experience designing boilers for energy systems. Parat Halvorsen is Norway's largest supplier of steam and heat solutions.

'Parat Halvorsen is proud to offer an innovative company like ABB its expertise and solutions. This concept was developed in a very professional and effective manner. It took less than two months to introduce the idea and start discussions with the customers in Houston. Our sector is currently putting a lot of effort into addressing environmental problems. This system is already raising eyebrows,' said Kim Kristensen, Head of the Marine and Offshore Division at Parat Halvorsen.

ABB is a world leader in the power and automation engineering sector that helps customers improve productivity while reducing the environmental impact of their activities. ABB Norway has more than 2200 employees and an annual turnover of about 9.6 billion kroner. The company is a part of the international ABB Group with about 145 000 employees distributed among 100 countries.