Joint Development of Thermoelectric Power Generation System with LG Innotek
Leading Battery and Fuel Cell Technologies... Steadily Preparing to Target Eco-Friendly Ships
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Samsung Heavy Industries is demonstrating its technological superiority by consecutively unveiling the latest eco-friendly ship technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vessels.
On the 13th, Samsung Heavy Industries announced that it has succeeded in developing the world's first thermo-electric generator (TEG) module and system for ships through joint research with LG Innotek, and signed a business agreement with Japan's NYK Line for actual ship application.
Through this, Samsung Heavy Industries plans to apply the thermo-electric generation system for the first time to the propulsion engine of a 174,000m³-class LNG carrier scheduled for delivery to NYK in December, build a track record, and gradually expand the scope of application.
The thermo-electric generation system is a device that converts thermal energy into electrical energy by utilizing the characteristics of thermo-electric materials. By attaching it to the surfaces of heat-generating equipment such as ship propulsion engines and generators, it can produce electricity, thereby reducing fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions.
Additionally, the thermo-electric generation system produces no noise or harmful gas emissions and has no mechanical parts like rotating machinery, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Demand is expected to increase significantly in the future.
Samsung Heavy Industries succeeded in developing thermo-electric generator modules and systems using nano-structured polycrystalline materials that are vibration-resistant and have enhanced power generation performance after more than four years of research with LG Innotek, a specialized materials and components manufacturer, starting in March 2021. The technology has been certified by the French classification society BV.
Lee Dong-yeon, head of Samsung Heavy Industries' Shipbuilding and Marine Research Institute, stated, "The thermo-electric generation system is an eco-friendly technology that can improve ship efficiency in a short period while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions and operating costs. Samsung Heavy Industries is focusing its R&D capabilities on securing new technologies in the environmental (E) sector."
Meanwhile, since successfully domesticating the first ship battery system in 2019, Samsung Heavy Industries has consecutively secured eco-friendly ship technologies including the world's first solid oxide fuel cell ship development and the thermo-electric generation system. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announcing the enforcement of stringent environmental regulations from 2023, including banning ships with low carbon emission efficiency ratings from operating, demand for eco-friendly ship technologies is expected to increase significantly.
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