Methodology to qualify marine electrical propulsion system architectures for platform supply vessels

Abstract

Conventional diesel-electric propulsion systems in platform supply vessels (PSVs) use low-voltage AC (LVAC) supply-based architecture with multiple diesel-generators feeding busbars at 690 V, 60 Hz. The busbars distribute power to thruster motor drives via multi-pulse transformers and diode bridge rectifiers. Advancements in electrical power conversion and distribution technologies offer possibilities of AC or DC distribution at low/medium voltage (LV/MV) for reduced fuel consumption (FC), emissions, and equipment footprint. This study presents methodology to qualify propulsion system architecture for PSV application. Potential architectures, besides conventional one, are active front end (AFE) converter-based LVAC (690 V), MVAC (3.3 kV), LVDC (1000 V), and MVDC (5000 V). Performances of these architectures are assessed quantitatively based on FC, emissions, weight, volume, efficiency, and reliability. FC is estimated based on brake-specific FC data of diesel engine. NO x , SO 2 , and CO 2 emissions are assessed based on their emission factors. The weight, volume, and efficiency are estimated based on parameters of individual components. Reliability is assessed based on component failure data using DIgSILENT Power Factory. The architectures are ranked based on performance parameters using a Pugh matrix. The most suitable architecture for the target PSV is LVDC, followed by MVDC, LVAC with AFE, MVAC, and conventional LVAC. reduction in efficiency. MV components have higher efficiency. Cable losses are lower.

An assessment on the efficient use of hybrid propulsion system in marine vessels

“…The ORC system pays for itself in 2.7 years and this situation is very attractive for ship owners. According to the study conducted by [48] , fuel consumption savings and greenhouse gas emissions decreasing are acquired by using the electric propulsion system on the PSV. [49] indicate that the catalyzed particle filter provides reduction in PM and harmful gas emissions.…”

Multidisciplinary analysis of a 750 kW PMSM for marine propulsion including shock loading response

“…For many years, electric propulsion for marine transportation has favoured robust designs over newer, yet‐to‐prove technologies owing to reliability concerns [1, 2]. For this reason, asynchronous machines have been the preferred choice for electric propulsion up to 5 MW [3, 4] and wound field synchronous machines (SMs) for the larger power ratings [5]. However, the undeniable success achieved by permanent magnet (PM) SMs in other fields, such as energy generation [6, 7], aircraft [8, 9] or electric transportation [10, 11], is forcing manufacturers in the marine sector to reconsider the PM motor technology, mainly because of the remarkable reduction in motor volume and the increase in the overall efficiency [12, 13].…”

Methodology of Power Distribution System Design for Hybrid Short Sea Shipping

“…Trends for more efficient and versatile ships have increased the variety in hybrid propulsion and power supply architectures [12]. LVDC and LVAC architectures were analyzed in [20], [21] in terms of fuel consumption, weight, volume, emissions, and reliability. A hybrid OSV with LVDC PDS was investigated in [18] in terms of fuel saving.…”