Binsfeld’s VesselTrak Performance Monitoring System with Op-Fleet Technology provides the system architecture that allows monitoring and control of key performance indicators on a vessel, including:

• Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC)
• Fuel Consumption Rate
• Fuel Consumption Per Nautical Mile
• Vessel Speed
• Engine/Shaft Torque
• Engine Horsepower
• Engine Speed

By monitoring these KPI’s, shipowners and managers are able to make critical decisions that help increase the efficiency of their fleet. The system is cost-effective, highly accurate (.1% instrumentation accuracy), installed in 24 hours or less, and backed by a global support network.

A typical system includes the following components:

1) Shaft Power/Torsion Meter. Measures the true mechanical power output of the engine by combining a torque measurement (using a strain gage) with shaft speed measurement in a simple equation. The signal is then transferred off of the shaft using telemetry. In contrast to other methods, strain gages have proven to be the most accurate, robust, and reliable method for measuring torque on a shaft.

2) Fuel Flow Meters. Measure the consumption of flow via a pair of screw-driven volumetric flow meters. The meters are installed in-line to the high-pressure and low-pressure lines. With automatic temperature compensation and back-flow protection, an accuracy of .1% is achievable.

3) ECR Display. Integrates the signals from the shaft torsion meter, fuel flow meters, and other existing measurements (such as generator power or vessel speed) and displays them via a panel-mount touch-screen display. The display is capable of USB data-logging, outputting signal into MODBUS/RS-485, and connecting to a vessels internet for cloud-based monitoring. The display is also compatible with a wheelhouse repeater for monitoring from the bridge.

4) Op-Fleet Online Dashboard. Op-Fleet technology provides the cloud-based interface to monitor the efficiency of a single vessel or an entire fleet. The data is automatically uploaded from the OP-HMI engine control room (ECR) display via an internet connection on-board a vessel or automatically stored and downloaded when the vessel returns to internet service at dock.

Monitoring the correct key performance indicators can highlight areas of fuel inefficiency and empower the crew to respond.

For tug boat operations, excessive transit speed (between dock and assisting vessel) is one of the leading causes of excessive fuel consumption. By simply monitoring key performance indicators (such as vessel speed, engine RPM, and fuel consumption) and setting limits, customers have been able to cut fuel usage by 15-25% during transit.

Why do I need a fuel and torque meter if I already get the data directly from the engine?

Direct measurements of fuel consumption and power can be up to 10% more accurate than engine estimations. This is because fuel and power measurements provided by diesel engines originate from a theoretical “baseline” propulsion efficiency curve developed by the engine manufacturer. The baseline curve is theoretical and indirect, meaning the values are extrapolated from other measurements (such as electrical current). While the measurements may be accurate to start, their accuracy decreases over time. They do not accommodate for degradation of engine components over time, varying sea conditions, or the presence of inefficiencies such as hull fouling. To quantify this accurately, you need direct measurement.

The bottomline: Making vessel efficiency decisions based on inaccurate data leaves efficiency gains on the table. Implementing direct measurements of fuel consumption and power eliminates the guess work and helps vessel owners and managers make decisions that maximize efficiency.

How hard is the system to install?

Installation of the entire system can be easily completed by vessel maintenance technicians in less than 24 hours. In addition to providing helpful installation resources, we offer unlimited, free, remote technical support anywhere in the world. We also have a global service and commissioning network ready to help at a moment’s notice, if you would prefer we take care of it for your crew.

What about the strain gages?

Trust us, it’s not as complicated as it seems. We have been showing new users how to install gages for years, and it’s something we have routinely seen mastered in a very short amount of time. We have developed a handful of resources to help your crew do it themselves (such as our Shaft Strain Gaging Guide and Installation Videos), and we are also happy to do the installation for you for a nominal fee.

How much maintenance is required?

With proper installation, you can expect the system (including the gages) to remain maintenance-free and accurate for years after commissioning. If something does need service, rest assured that we have a global support network ready to meet you at port to get you up and running again.

What’s the ROI?

At an average savings in 3-5% of fuel costs, customers are able to get an ROI in less than a year. Binsfeld’s solution is one of the most cost-effective solutions on the market and is scalable – meaning you can start with a display and monitoring system, then add fuel/torque meters later if you would like to truly maximize your efficiency gains.