Onboard DC Grid Signals Power Change

Diesel-electric propulsion with AC power distribution is acknowledged as superior in terms of overall vessel efficiency compared to conventional plant power, but it is not always the optimum solution when operational demands vary as generators run at constant rpm. This challenge was the starting poi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inSea Technology Vol. 57; no. 7; p. 10
Main Authors Lindtjoern, John Olav, Kanerva, Sami
Format Magazine Article Trade Publication Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Arlington Compass Publications, Inc 01.07.2016
Subjects
Advantages
Brackish
Constants
Consumption
Cost control
Efficiency
Electric power generation
Engines
Fuel consumption
Generators
Load
Marine
Offshore
Onboard
Optimization
Power distribution
Propellers
Propulsion
Shipping industry
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Summary:Diesel-electric propulsion with AC power distribution is acknowledged as superior in terms of overall vessel efficiency compared to conventional plant power, but it is not always the optimum solution when operational demands vary as generators run at constant rpm. This challenge was the starting point for the development of the Onboard DC Grid, the radically different power distribution solution enabled by developments in DC protection methods first proposed by ABB in 2011. This solution is a new modular offering that has merits across the shipping industry. When a marine engine is operated at constant speed, fuel consumption is typically minimized at around 85 percent load. In general, diesel-electric solutions have always involved variable propulsion drive/propeller speeds. The DC Grid allows electric propulsion motors to run optimally anywhere on the engine's power curve, offering a further means of fuel consumption optimization. Perhaps the most visually striking ship to feature the Onboard DC.
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ISSN:0093-3651