Switzerland-based power and automation technology group ABB has launched a new dynamic AC (DAC) concept, which is said to increase the engine speed of vessels and help reduce fuel consumption.
To be included in ABB’s other product lines such as Azipod propulsion and the Onboard DC Grid, the new concept will help increasing energy efficiency for vessels and large cruise ship can save upto 6% or up to 2000t of fuel per year by increasing engine speed.
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The new concept uses an easy configuration of electrical system, which uses ABB’s existing components and helps adjusting the rotational speed of the diesel generating sets, facilitating the system frequency to differ within the specified range.
Several ships are still operating with their generators at a set speed, ignoring the power requirement and hence wasting energy.
A ship’s medium voltage power system is mainly designed for variable frequency, which includes component design and system integration, while, distribution for the auxiliary and hotel loads of a ship is provided by frequency converters or directly from the variable frequency system.
ABB marine and ports business managing director Juha Koskela said: "No matter what bunker costs are now, ship owners look to the long term and always want ways to maximise fuel efficiency.
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By GlobalData"Once again, our strong emphasis on research and development has produced a solution of great business value to our customers."
The DAC will be placed alongside the onboard DC Grid in the company’s portfolio of power distribution products, which help increasing ship fuel efficiency, while, the onboard DC Grid could enhance the performance of vessels by offering lower power requirement option.
DAC is expected to install at larger ships with power of 20MW or more.
Koskela added: "ABB has had great success providing power and propulsion solutions to the cruise industry.
"Dynamic AC is another tool for cruise companies to build fleets which are more efficient and more environmentally friendly."
Image: The DAC electrical system. Photo: courtesy of ABB
