ABB launches new marine electrical power system

ABB says the system is part of a revival of power solutions using DC electricity, going back to former principles, but adapting them to use modern technology and avoid many of the sources of inefficiency in current AC power distribution systems. The company claims that its concept will provide highly efficient power distribution and electric propulsion for a wide range of vessels. Initial applications are expected to be offshore support ships, but the concept can be applied to ferries and passenger vessels, even container ships.

It is designed initially for ships with low-voltage onboard power systems, with the view to reducing fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20%. In traditional electrical propulsion vessels, multiple DC connections are made from the AC circuit to thrusters and propulsion drives, which account for more than 80% of electrical power consumption. ABB’s onboard DC system connects all DC links and distributes the power through one main 1,000V DC circuit. Most importantly, it eliminates the need for large main AC switchboards and heavy-duty transformers.

ABB says the onboard DC system incorporates proven products already operating on today’s ships, such as AC generators, inverter modules, AC motors etc. It says the advantage of a DC power system is that the ship’s engines no longer have to run at a fixed speed, which means the engine’s speed can be adjusted to optimise fuel consumption. It is claimed to reduce the footprint of the electrical equipment used by up to 30%, which leaves more space on the vessels for passengers or cargo, and provides greater flexibility in the positioning of system components in the vessel.

In addition, ABB’s onboard DC system will enable supplementary DC energy sources such as solar panels, fuel cells, super-capacitors or batteries to be plugged directly into the ship’s DC electrical system, for further fuel savings. The company believes that hybrid power systems will play an increasing part in the next generation of ship designs, with batteries or other energy storage devices being employed to provide short burst of higher power, in applications such as dynamic positioning.

“We are seeing a revival that is making DC the technology of choice for many power transmission solutions, battery storage and other energy supply applications,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s process automation division. “With an onboard DC solution, we can vary generator speed to optimise fuel consumption and improve a ship’s operational efficiency by up to 20% compared with traditional AC powered systems. This forward-thinking solution will help maximise the energy efficiency and power reliability of our customers’ vessels, and prepare them for future operating challenges like more stringent environmental regulations, higher fuel prices and the availability of new fuel sources.”

ABB plans to make its DC Grid system open to the industry, which can share designs, development and ideas via a dedicated web site.