Successful Demonstration of 'NRS' at Energy System Experiment Center
Remote Optimal Operation Support Service Also Showcased
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) showcased its LNG carrier operation technology through a demonstration of its self-developed liquefied natural gas (LNG) reliquefaction system.
On the 27th, DSME announced that it successfully completed a demonstration of its self-developed LNG reliquefaction system, the 'NRS (Nitrogen Refrigerant System),' at the Energy System Test Center of the Okpo Shipyard. The event was attended by key shipowners and classification society officials from Japan's MOL, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), and Korean Register (KR), who witnessed DSME's advanced technology firsthand.
The LNG reliquefaction system is a device that collects naturally evaporated natural gas from the cargo tanks during LNG transportation, re-liquefies it, and returns it to the cargo tanks. It is considered a core piece of equipment for LNG carriers.
The NRS, which DSME successfully demonstrated this time, is the latest technology among the LNG reliquefaction systems developed and owned by the company. This system uses nitrogen as a refrigerant and maximizes the recovery of cold energy from boil-off gas to improve liquefaction efficiency. The NRS was awarded the Jang Young-sil Award in August in recognition of its technological excellence and is currently being applied to an LNG-FSU (Floating Storage Unit) under construction at the Okpo Shipyard, scheduled for delivery to the shipowner in 2022.
The demonstration also showcased a remote optimal operation support service based on digital twin technology. By connecting the test facilities at the Okpo Shipyard in Gyeongnam with the onshore control center at the Siheung R&D campus in Gyeonggi Province, the system monitored and diagnosed the status of key equipment in real time, providing solutions for optimal smart ship operation and the operation and maintenance of major equipment.
The NRS achieves full automation, preventing malfunctions and performance degradation caused by human error. In addition, it enables condition-based maintenance by remotely monitoring key reliquefaction equipment such as heat exchangers, refrigerant compressors, and expanders.
A DSME official stated, "The demonstration marks the fruition of our efforts in verification research and development using the advanced infrastructure of the industry's first Energy System Test Center. We expect to maintain a competitive edge in the global order competition by continuing to focus on technology development."
Meanwhile, DSME plans not only this demonstration but also to hold an online webinar within the year to promote the excellence of the NRS to major domestic and international shipowners and classification societies.
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