Solution for RTG crane power supply with the use of a hybrid energy storage system based on literature review

• Several systems for Rubber Tired Gantry Cranes supply are examined and compared. • Different storage sizes and technologies for the examined systems are presented and evaluated. • Common metrics regarding the fuel consumption per move are computed for all systems. • The solution of a flywheel system with battery storage is proposed as an efficient alternative. • Comparisons show that the proposed systems are sustainable solutions with benefits and potential. Ports and container terminals are important hubs for global commodity trade. The increase in world trade urged the need for energy efficient ports. Handling containers inside ports is mostly carried out by Rubber Tire Gantry (RTG) cranes. The energy cost, CO 2 emissions and noise of the port equipment are problems which need advanced solutions to decrease the energy demand. The purpose of this work is to make, an up to date, literature review regarding the techno-economic efficiency of the use of a RTG crane, outlining the significant developments in their electrical systems and propose the best solution for energy savings. A comparison of the technical solutions in literature is performed by applying them as potential solutions for a real case study. This study focuses on an energy storage solution for RTG cranes that could be used in the Jazan Economic City Port in Saudi Arabia, which is under construction. The major contribution of this paper is the realization of energy efficiency analysis of the proposed systems with a single point of reference to compare them and outline the most efficient systems in economic and/or energy efficiency terms.