Modular design and implementation of an automatic power factor regulator for energy savings on fishing vessels

Abstract

This study describes the experiences of modular design and implementation of an automatic power factor regulator for improving energy efficiency on Taiwanese longline fishing vessels. The load capacities of such vessels are typically divided into three categories, depending on the gross tonnage or fish carrying capacity: Less than 100 kW, from 100 kW to less than 250 kW, and larger than 250 kW. For attaining proper power factor improvement, a compensation unit with a total of 30 kVar, 60 kVar and 90 kVar was sized and assembled with capacitors of 10, 15 and 20 kVar to enable control within 12 steps. Slots for additional capacitors of 10 kVar were reserved and connected in parallel. Based on the experiences, fuel consumption can be reduced and the payback period of the implemented equipment occurs to be within a little more than a year.