Electric AC drives go for green

Important features are high energy efficiency, elimination of electric disturbances ( EMC and THD ), and compact design by eliminating the large transformers that were used formerly. In addition, Stadt claims to have applied its long experience of creating drives that will perform reliably, without major maintenance, for more than 25 years. The products have been tested at sea for two years, and the technical results has been verified and approved by DNV.

The Stadt Stascho product range is now available, covering ratings from 100kW at 230V up to 100MW and 15kV. It combines IGBT transistors, thyristors and bypass switching. The company claims that the range represents sustainable technology which is environmentally friendly in all respects.

Stadt believes that the market for electric ship propulsion systems is increasing rapidly, as the energy prices increases and the industry addresses climate change and environmental issues. It says that electric propulsion can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 45 %, with the possibility of either diesel or gas powered prime movers.