ABB's PTL 3200 power turbine, with a maximum electrical output of 3,200 kW, is designed for use with high efficiency two-stroke marine engines. It converts "surplus" exhaust gas from the ship's main engine into onboard energy for a simultaneous reduction in engine emissions and fuel consumption. Two waste heat recovery configurations are available:
- Stand-alone PTL driving a generator via a reduction gearbox, for a 4% saving in fuel and emissions.
- PTL in conjunction with a steam turbine for a fuel and emissions saving in excess of 10%
Early experience with power turbines
Waste heat recovery systems are long established and widely used, with many still successfully operating on various kinds of ships. ABB started in the late 1970s to develop so-called power turbines. Due to the high efficiency of the turbochargers, it was possible to take off a certain amount of exhaust gas before the turbochargers and feed it to small turbocharger turbines - the power turbines - which use the energy in the gas to produce mechanical or electrical power.