In a first, Indian Navy runs AC plant with natural CO2 for 850 hours in green drive

A first of its kind 100KW capacity AC plant in the country based on natural refrigerant carbon dioxide, launched by the Indian Navy in collaboration with IISc (Bengaluru), has successfully clocked 850 hours of operation, according to information provided by the Defence Ministry today.

This is a significant step towards reducing use of conventional HCFCs with high Global Warming Potential y employing a natural refrigerant with GWP of 1 and is in line with Kigali Agreement of 2016 ratified by India. The plant has been installed at the Centre of Excellence (Marine Engineering), INS Shivaji for trials and exploitation.

The other initiatives carried out towards a ‘Clean and Green Navy’ include the commissioning of solar power with cumulative capacity of 15.87 MW. These plants are grid-connected utilising single-axis sun tracking technology with computerised monitoring and control. Additionally, 16 MW capacity of SPVs are at various stages of execution, the official statement explained.

The Navy has also taken up the initiative of an indigenous make and patented retrofit device developed by M/s Chakr Innovations for reducing diesel engine emissions was installed on a shore-based Diesel Generator for long-term trials. Trials have indicated 70% reduction in Hydrocarbon, Carbon Monoxide, and Particulate Matter in the engine’s exhaust emissions. The retrofit device for diesel engine exhaust emission reduction is being inducted in a phased manner on all land-based Diesel Gensets, and once inducted, it would go a long way in enabling the Navy towards reducing the emissions levels further.

Utilisation of Hydrogen as a potential alternative source of fuel is also being pursued by the Indian Navy, successful shore trials of Hydrogen Aspirated Diesel Engine have been completed which has enhanced clean combustion, thus reducing CO emissions significantly. The device has now been fitted onboard a ship for pilot trials. Further, in line with the government’s Make in India initiative, a developmental project on hydrogen fuel cell-powered ferry craft is also being pursued with shipyards.

The Indian Navy has also taken action in combating oil spills at Naval harbours, eco-friendly marine bio-remedial agents have been indigenously developed through NMRL. The state-of-the-art technology is unique in the maritime domain.