6
HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEMS ON SHIPS: As th ship’s siz nd c p city inc s s,
bigger machinery/ equipment are installed to ensure its operational efficiency; however high
voltage is used only for few important machinery systems.
Usually a 3phase, 60Hz, 440 Volts supply is
generated and distributed on board ships. As
the ship size increases, there is a need to
install more powerful engines and other
machinery systems. This increase in size of
equipment demands more electrical power
and higher voltages.
Any voltage used on ship, if less than 1kV
(1000 V) is called as LV (Low Voltage) Image Credit: Wilhelmsen
system and any voltage above 1kV is
termed as high voltage system. I = 2 * 106 / (√3 * 6600 * 0.8)
Typical Marine HV systems usually operate I = 218.69 Amps (Approximately 220
at 3.3 kV or 6.6 kV. Passenger liners such Amps.)
as QE2 operate at 10kV. Thus the protection devices can be rated as
low as 9 k Amps.
Why High Voltage on Ships?
Also, Power Loss = I2 * r
Where, I - the current carried by the
Let us assume that a ship generates 8MW of
conductor, R - the resistance of the
power at 440V, from 4 diesel generator sets
conductor.
of 2MW, 0.8 power factors each.
Each generator feeder cable and circuit
The power loss varies square of the current
breaker has to handle a full-load current of:
carried by the conductor. If the supply
voltage is 440V, then the current carried by
I = 2 * 106/ (√3 * 440 * 0.8)
the conductor is 0.002P, and if the voltage is
raised to 6600V, then the current carried for
I = 3280.4 Amps (Approximately, 3300
the same power is (1.515 *(10^-4)) * P.
Amps)
Thus it implies that the power loss is
The protection devices such as circuit
reduced by a greater extent if the voltage is
breaker should be rated at approximately
stepped up. Also, it is always efficient to
90kA for each feeder cable.
transmit power at a higher voltage.
Conversely, reducing the resistance of the
Let us now calculate the current if the
conductor can reduce the power loss.
generated voltage is 6600Volts.
r = ρ * l/a.
7
By increasing the cross-sectional area of the Also, it is not necessary to a have bigger size
conductor (diameter), the resistance of the motor for high voltage systems. This means
conductor and the power loss can be that the motor can be of a smaller size even if
reduced. it’s designed for 6600 Volts as compared to
But this involves huge increase in costs and that of 440Volts.
size/ weight of cables, requiring additional
Thus, most of the new ships are fitted with
supports. This method is therefore not used
to reduce the power loss during high voltage systems.
transmission and utilization.
Electrical Propulsion System: The conventional propulsion system of ships is efficient
but requires high operating costs and increases marine pollution. Among all prospective
alternate power sources for ships, electrical propulsion system is one of the most promising
alternatives in tod y’s tim .
8
Understanding the System Applications
The electric propulsion system consists of Though electrical propulsion is normally
a prime mover, which can be of two types: used for smaller vessels, shipping
companies are now adopting this system
- Diesel driven for big size cargo vessels as well.
- Turbine or steam driven Electrical propulsion is fitted in:
Both these systems produce less pollution Tugs and trawlers
as compared to conventional marine
propulsion system, which involves burning Dredgers
of heavy oil. Dynamic positioning vessels
The propeller shaft of the ship is connected Cable laying ships
to large motors, which can be D.C or A.C Ice breakers
driven, also known as propulsion motors.
Research ships
Ship’s g n to nd p im mov
assembly supplies power for the propulsion Floating cranes
motor.
Offshore Vessels
Arrangement and Operation
The generator can be direct or alternating
current type with diesel or steam driven Advantages of electrical propulsion
prime mover, depending on the system are:
requirements or demands of the
owner/ship. A large amount of power is
generated by the system and the
In the electrical propulsion system, the
excess power can be utilized by
direction of the propeller rotation is
supplying it to cargo pumps, fire
governed either by the electrical control of
pumps and other important auxiliary
the motor or by changing the electrical
machinery
supply.
The space required for installation of
Normally variable speed electrical motor is
electrical propulsion machinery is
used for fixed pitch propeller system and less and compact as compared to
constant or variable motor can be used for conventional systems
variable pitch propeller or CPP.
There is no direct connection of
9
propeller shaft and prime mover and From long-term perspective, electric
hence transmission of severe stresses propulsions systems are promising power
such as torsional and vibration is sources for ships, considering their high
reduced efficiency and stringent marine
environmental norms.
There is more flexibility in
installation of machinery
It provides improved Know the Complete Operating Procedure
maneuverability and high of Ship’s P opulsion Pl nt nd Oth
redundancy Auxiliary Machinery Systems. Download
Our eBook-
Increased payload through flexible
location of machinery components “The Ultimate Guide to
Operating Procedures for
Environmental benefits from lower
fuel consumption and emissions Engine Room Machinery”
High performance in tough ice
conditions due to maximum torque
at zero speed
Reduces lifecycle cost by less fuel
consumption and maintenance costs
Better comfort due to reduced
vibration and noise
Disadvantages of this system:
The efficiency of electrical plant is
less than that of conventional system
The installation cost of electrical
propulsion plant is much higher
Imp ovis d t ining fo ship’s c w
is required as the system is
completely different from
mechanical system and involves
major automation
