30000 RPM + 240 kW! BOMAG Magnetic Levitation Refrigeration Compressor Solves Pain Points in the LNG Carrier Industry
With the acceleration of the global clean energy transition, LNG (liquefied natural gas), as an efficient, clean, and low-carbon energy source, is experiencing continuously growing demand for maritime transportation. LNG carriers have become a core component of the global energy supply chain. During LNG transportation, boil-off gas (BOG) is generated in cargo tanks due to environmental temperature changes. If not properly handled, it not only leads to energy waste but also increases tank pressure, posing risks to vessel safety. As the core equipment of the BOG reliquefaction system, the magnetic levitation refrigeration compressor is responsible for efficiently cooling, liquefying, and recovering BOG, directly determining the energy efficiency, safety, and economic performance of LNG carriers.
Hangzhou BOMAG ELECTRIC MOTOR Co., Ltd., with years of expertise in the ultra-low temperature refrigeration field, has developed a magnetic levitation refrigeration compressor specifically designed for LNG carrier operating conditions. Leveraging independently developed magnetic levitation core technology, the company has broken through industry technical bottlenecks and provides an efficient and reliable solution for LNG maritime transportation.
I. Application of Magnetic Levitation Refrigeration Compressors in LNG Carriers
The core requirement of LNG carriers is the efficient reliquefaction and recovery of BOG. As the “heart” of the system, the refrigeration compressor must operate stably over long periods under ultra-low temperature conditions of -162°C, while adapting to the compact engine room, high vibration, and long-duration unattended operation of ships. Traditional LNG compressors typically use mechanical bearing structures, which suffer from high friction loss, severe heat generation, and low energy efficiency under long-term high-load and ultra-low temperature conditions, making it difficult to meet modern LNG carriers’ requirements for high reliability, high efficiency, and low maintenance.
BOMAG’s magnetic levitation refrigeration compressor is specifically designed for LNG carrier BOG reliquefaction systems. It can be directly applied throughout the entire process of BOG extraction, cooling, liquefaction, and storage. Without the need for complex lubrication systems or bulky cooling devices, it adapts well to vessel motion such as rolling and tilting, and can operate stably across a wide temperature range from -175°C to ambient temperature. It effectively solves the operational challenges of traditional compressors in ultra-low temperature environments, enabling efficient BOG recovery, reducing energy waste, ensuring vessel safety, and helping LNG carriers comply with the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) energy efficiency regulations.
As a core enterprise in ultra-low temperature refrigeration, BOMAG integrates magnetic levitation technology with cryogenic refrigeration processes. In addition to LNG carriers, its magnetic levitation refrigeration products are widely used in liquid hydrogen refrigeration, superconducting material cooling, and other ultra-low temperature applications, accumulating extensive experience in R&D, production, and application of cryogenic equipment, providing solid technical support for LNG applications.
II. Advantages and Core Parameters of BOMAG Magnetic Levitation Refrigeration Compressor
(1) Core Advantages: Solving Industry Pain Points
1. High power and high speed — breaking technical barriers
Leveraging years of expertise in magnetic levitation motor technology, BOMAG has developed LNG compressors capable of delivering stable 240 kW output with continuous operating speeds up to 30,000 RPM, far exceeding the 12,000–18,000 RPM limits of traditional compressors. This enables high power without increasing stages or system size, reducing equipment volume and weight by over 30%, perfectly fitting compact ship engine rooms.
2. Low heat generation and high efficiency — ideal for cryogenic conditions
The compressor uses a fully magnetic bearing design, achieving a 0.1–0.3 mm non-contact suspension between rotor and stator, eliminating friction losses and minimizing heat generation. Combined with BOMAG’s high-speed permanent magnet motor and closed-loop variable frequency control system, motor efficiency exceeds 97% and compression efficiency remains above 85%, delivering 25%–40% energy savings compared to traditional systems.
3. High reliability and maintenance-free operation
No lubrication system is required, eliminating contamination risks and reducing wear. The mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeds 50,000 hours, and maintenance cycles are more than three times longer than traditional systems. Fully self-developed core components ensure supply chain security and support long-term unattended operation.
4. Strong ultra-low temperature adaptability
Using high-strength carbon fiber rotors and specialized low-temperature permanent magnets, the compressor operates reliably from -175°C to ambient temperature. It is not only suitable for LNG carriers but also adaptable to liquid hydrogen and superconducting applications.
(2) Core Parameters
- Rated power: 240 kW (customizable)
- Rated speed: 30,000 RPM (±50 RPM accuracy)
- Operating temperature: -175°C to ambient
- Motor efficiency: ≥97%
- Compression efficiency: ≥85%
- Magnetic suspension gap: 0.1–0.3 mm
- MTBF: ≥50,000 hours
- Maintenance cycle: 3× longer than traditional systems
- Weight reduction: ≥30% compared to conventional compressors
III. BOMAG Magnetic Levitation — Driving LNG Shipping Upgrades
As a key carrier of clean energy transportation, LNG vessels play a vital role in global energy supply and decarbonization. The magnetic levitation refrigeration compressor developed by Hangzhou BOMAG ELECTRIC MOTOR Co., Ltd., featuring high power (240 kW), ultra-high speed (30,000 RPM), low heat generation, high efficiency, and maintenance-free reliability, effectively addresses the limitations of traditional compressors.
It provides a more efficient, reliable, and economical solution for LNG maritime transport
IV. Future Outlook
BOMAG will continue to focus on magnetic levitation technology and ultra-low temperature refrigeration, targeting high-end applications such as LNG carriers. By continuously optimizing performance and enhancing product configurations, the company aims to collaborate with industry partners to build a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future for energy transportation.