ABB supplies its Onboard DC Grid power distribution for a new Louis Dreyfus Armateurs wind farm Service Operation Vessel (SOV). The intention is to enable the cost-efficient integration of batteries.
One part of the power system is the Power and Energy Management System (PEMS). T[ds_preview]he hybrid system enables lean operation with fewer running generators without compromising on safety, meaning less maintenance and better fuel consumption over the long-term ABB stated.
The Onboard DC Grid will integrate two sets of batteries used primarily for spinning reserve and peak shaving. Power peaks during operation can be covered by the battery rather than starting another engine. Again, battery power can act as backup for running generators, reducing the need to run spare generator capacity. In addition to ship efficiency gains, the mode of operation has long-term benefits for ship engines, as it increases efficiency through higher engine load and reduces running hours overall.
Several typs of ships use Onboard DC Grid
The Onboard DC Grid has been installed on a wide range of vessels including ferries, OSVs and a cable layer ABB informed. The whole power system is controlled by integrated PEMS, enabling the generators to run at variable speeds and charge the batteries in the optimal way while at the same time maximizing safety and efficiency. This contrasts with traditional AC systems, where generators run at fixed maximum speed irrespective of the power demand onboard, leading to excessive engine wear and poor fuel efficiency at lower loads. The ship’s crew of up to ninety will also benefit of the reduced vibrations.
The Louis Dreyfus Armateurs ship will be built by Cemre Shipyard in Turkey. The SOV vessel is designed by Salt Ship Design and will operate on four wind farms off the German coast, enabling the maintenance of the turbines by wind farm technicians.
