Why not fit new converters?

Alstom has secured a first installation for its latest generation ALSPA drives. It will fit the new ALSPA MV7000 converters to the deep sea research vessel, Pourquoi Pas?, owned by Ifremer and currently under construction at the Alstom Leroux Naval shipyard in Lorient France, as part of a contract for a complete electric propulsion system. The three-level medium voltage PWM Press-Pack IGBT ALSPA MV7000 converters will supply power to two 1,650kW (at 148 rev/min) induction motors, which will drive the ship?s two shaflines. Alstom says the converters are specifically designed for marine applications and particularly suitable for induction motors up to 30MW at 6.6kV. It adds that they offer a substantial reduction in underwater motor noise thus avoiding the need for filters. The 105m Porquois Pas?, which will operate at a service speed of 13.3 knots, is due to be delivered to Ifremer in Spring 2005. It will be used for both civil deep-sea oceanographic-going expeditions and hydrography missions.