PM shaft generator for Saga LNG carrier

The shaft generator is part of an efficiency package to be delivered by The Switch which includes active front-end low harmonic drive WE Drive – enabling the shaft generator to supply electricity to the vessel over the full engine load range – and a power distribution system that allows for the distribution of 12000kW in power take out (PTO) mode.

In power take in mode, the WE Drive is used as an auxiliary propulsion generator when the main engine is out of use. The WE Drive’s common DC link also enables DC power distribution to the bow thruster. The high-speed PMM 500 marine shaft generator will be connected to the PTO shaft of the reduction gear in the propulsion line.

Mårten Storbacka, managing director of WE Tech Solutions, said: “The main advantage of permanent magnet technology is that it significantly increases energy efficiency. Depending on how you calculate it, fuel savings are approximately 20-30%. Since this technology lowers the need for installed power on a ship, energy generation and weight are reduced significantly, thereby lowering fuel consumption and the need for maintenance.”