ABB - Electric Power and Variable Speed Electric Propulsion Systems

ABB Marine is the leading manufacturer of electric power and propulsion systems. Since delivery of ABB's first AC propulsion system in 1983, we have equipped over 350 vessels and floating structures with variable speed electric propulsion systems. This is equivalent to a total rated power of 3,300MW.

The main advantages of ABB electric propulsion are:

• Reduced lifecycle cost by improving the operational economy with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance cost
• Increased payload through efficient modularization and flexible location of machinery components
• Safety and reliability with improved manoeuvrability, high redundancy and standardized proven technology
• Environmental benefits from lower fuel consumption and emissions resulting from constant speed engine operation with optimized loading and high efficiency
• Better comfort for crew and passengers due to reduced vibration and noise
• High performance due to maximum torque at zero speed
• Flexible and easy installation compared to diesel mechanical systems

ACS MARINE DRIVES - SETTING NEW STANDARDS IN ELECTRIC PROPULSION

Utilizing ABB's award-winning DTC (Direct Torque Control) motor control method, our ACS marine drives offer the most accurate speed and torque control of any variable speed drive system available - with or without tacho. DTC provides a response time of up to ten times faster than conventional control methods (flux vector and PWM), resulting in an immediate and smooth drive control with minimum wear and tear on the mechanical system.

The ACS 600 low voltage series covers the range up to 4,300kW and is delivered in air- and water-cooled versions. The ACS 6000 medium voltage series is available for applications up to 26MW. Both series can be delivered as single drive or as multi drives with a common DC bus.

AZIPOD® PROPULSION - ELECTRIC MARINE PROPULSION

Azipod® is a podded propulsion system, azimuthing through 360°C, cruising ahead of competition in the 5MW to 30MW class. It incorporates an electric motor mounted directly on an extremely short propeller shaft. The motor drives a fixed-pitch propeller. The motor is controlled by a frequency converter which produces full nominal torque, smooth and stepless, in either direction over the entire speed range, including standstill. The propeller rpm can be optimized according to the varying hydrodynamics of each project.

CRP AZIPOD® PROPULSION - HIGH-EFFICIENCY CONTRA-ROTATING PROPULSION SYSTEM

Contra-rotating propulsion (CRP) means there are two propellers on the same line rotating in different directions - an Azipod® is installed in place of a normal rudder, aligned downstream of the main propeller. The secondary propeller utilizes the remaining energy from the rotating water leaving the forward propeller.

The system encompasses several unique advantages, resulting in the best hydrodynamic efficiency in the industry. Gains in efficiency are achieved by applying the CRP principle, dividing the load over two propellers and through utilization of the preferred single-skeg hull form.

Enhancing propulsion efficiency up to 15%, the CRP Azipod® propulsion system will have a big impact on vessel construction for ship types such as RoPax, ULCS and tankers.

COMPACT AZIPOD® PROPULSION - MARINE ELECTRIC THRUSTER SYSTEM

The Compact Azipod® is a electric thruster solution for smaller vessels, is standardized and modular, with high performance and low operating costs. The system is produced in five sizes from 0.5MW to 4.2MW and is available in propulsion and azimuthing thruster versions.

System construction is straightforward, consisting of a Propulsor Module and a Steering Module, providing unlimited azimuthing angels. The Propulsor Module incorporates an ultra-efficient permanent magnet synchronous motor with a fixed-pitch propeller mounted directly to the motor shaft. The compact motor is directly cooled by surrounding seawater, allowing for a simple mechanical construction and a slim pod with superb hydrodynamics.

For enquiries relating to oil- and gas-related vessels, please use the below contact details. For enquiries relating to cruise ships and ferries, please click on the 'Regional Offices' bar and contact ABB OY.