ABB wins order to install the first ever DC-based electric solution for a vessel. The Onboard DC Grid will allow vessels to cut fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20 percent.
Launched in May 2011, ABB’s Onboard DC Grid is part of a revival of power solutions using DC, and will provide highly efficient power distribution and electric propulsion for a wide range of vessels. It is designed for ships with low-voltage onboard circuits, such as offshore support vessels, tug boats, ferries and yachts, and can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20 percent.
“With this solution, the vessel will be ready to maximize opportunities in energy savings with supplementary DC energy sources, such as solar panels, fuel cells, or batteries connected directly to the ship’s Onboard DC Grid,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “The Onboard DC Grid will help the vessel operate from the very first day at the highest levels of fuel efficiency with low emissions.”
ABB will provide its full onboard DC system, including all power, propulsion and automation systems for the 93 meter long, 5,000 ton multi-purpose oil field supply and construction vessel, which is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2013.
A key advantage of ABB’s Onboard DC Grid is that the ship’s engines no longer have to run at a fixed speed, so the engine’s speed can be adjusted to optimize fuel consumption. By eliminating the need for bulky transformers and switchboards, the footprint and weight of the electrical system can be reduced by up to 30 percent, leaving more space on the vessels for passengers or cargo while also providing greater flexibility in the positioning of system components in the vessel.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.
ABB has created an infographic to illustrate this concept.
A video interview with Heikki Soljama, head of ABB’s marine business can be found on ABB’s YouTube channel.
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