The four Rs of sustainability. For our subject, the Reefer Container Power Supply, we will focus on reducing and refusing. The best way to deal with resources is not to use them in the first place. An.
How is electricity used in ports?
Typically, the total energy demand of ports is divided into electricity and fuel consumption. Electricity is largely procured from the grid operator and used for Ship-to-Shore container cranes (STS), refrigerated container (reefer), electrical Rubber Tire Gantry (eRTG), lighting, air conditioning, etc.
The main energy consumers of a port are its terminals with STS and reefer containers. They represent approxi-mately 80 % of the total energy demand. The remaining 20 % is consumed by lighting, workshops and other ancil-lary buildings.
What energy sources can keep refrigerated containers' cooling systems running?
Here is an overview of different energy sources that can keep refrigerated containers' cooling systems running: At ports or storage facilities, operators typically connect reefers to shore power. This provides a stable electricity supply for continuous operation. Some refrigerated containers feature built-in generators.
Electricity consumption was not a major issue when older reefer models were manufactured. Modern reefer containers, on the other hand, feature cutting-edge technologies to achieve superior energy efficiency.
How does a port generate energy?
To a minor extent, concepts of inde-pendent power supply and microgrids are implemented. Heat is either generated within the port by burning main-ly fossils such as oil and natural gas, or obtained from the district heating grid. The main energy consumers of a port are its terminals with STS and reefer containers.
A container vessel requires a voltage of 6.6kV and a power demand averaging from 1.5MW for the smaller vessels and up to 7.5MW for the larger vessels. It would be a challenge for a port to provide the necessary amenities that cater to all vessel types and demands for power.