Making port operations future proof
Terminal operators seek to electrify their assets in order to reduce emissions or even become CO2-neutral. Equipment like forklifts, reach stackers and port cranes can be electrified, and terminal operators are preparing to facilitate shore power on site. At QuinteQ, we understand that this is not an easy task and we are here to help.
Electrifying assets at port terminals introduces a huge new energy demand, as well as high, volatile power peaks due to the necessary electrification of core-logistical processes and high-power equipment. This is hard to facilitate for sites that are still geared towards fossil energy. More than often, ports find themselves at a squeeze with grid congestion and grid upgrades to facilitate the increased energy demand is costly, timely, or in some cases impossible, as ports are often at the far end of the power lines.
This forces terminals to reimagine energy demand and supply, and incorporate energy flexibility to get the most out of the available means.
How do QuinteQ flywheels create space on your grid connection?
QuinteQ flywheels help create space on your grid connection by performing peak shaving on the high power peaks of port cranes. Electric harbor cranes create by far the highest peak demand, yet peaks usually last mere seconds to minutes. This power profile fits perfectly to QuinteQ’s flywheels, which are able to deliver near endless power peaks in their long lifetime (+20 years).
By taking away the volatile power demand caused by harbor cranes, terminal operators suddenly find themselves with space to electrify whilst still using the same old grid connection. Our flywheels are the optimal technology to do this. Compared to lithium-ion batteries, our flywheels outlast lithium batteries by 10-15 years, and still require less maintenance. Also, our flywheels are fully recyclable, pose no fire hazard and do not rely on rare earth minerals.
Compared to other flywheel products, we offer a more compact, containerized solution that is also able to scale up and down over time, depending on your changing demands.
If you foresee challenges in electrifying your terminal, contact us today to find out what we can do for you.