Yaskawa electrical distribution for Teekay tankers

The company, formerly known as The Switch, will provide four DC Hub electrical distribution systems and eight frequency converters for each of the vessels, which will be powered by LNG, boil-off volatile organic compounds and batteries.

Asbjørn Halsebakke, general manager Norway, Yaskawa Envrionmental Energy, said: “From the start, we’ve been focused on developing technology that lowers operational cost, enabling vessels to be more competitive and reducing their impact on the environment. We feel there is a growing demand for smarter, more sustainable operations, and this concept from Teekay and Wärtsilä embodies that drive.”

The DC Hub eliminates the need for an AC switchboard as well as providing reliable availability and redundancy. In the Teekay tankers hey will enable Wärtsilä’s hybrid power solution which employs battery packs. Any energy source can be connected to the DC Hub via a generator, meaning there is strong potential for the systems as shipping’s renewable power mix expands.

Yaskawa recently improved the DC Hub with the introduction of the electric bus link. Its ultra-fast shut down capability means that a vessel’s energy flow can be maintained across several hubs with just one generator running.

“Our technology works with Wärtsilä’s smart solutions to enhance operational efficiency,” added Halsebakke. “The fact that any power source can be connected to the DC Hub helps to future-proof vessels. We believe this technology can help shipping chart a course towards a more sustainable future.”