The rise in a unified stand against climate change globally, as well as the increasingly stringent environmental standards imposed by the International Maritime Organisation to reduce the maritime industry’s impact on global warming, has resulted in the development of newer and more environmentally friendly marine propulsion systems.
One of such marine propulsion systems is the diesel-electric drive, which was first introduced in the early 1900s. Having been around for more than a century, the diesel-electric drive has seen significant improvements in recent years. It is also a rising technology used to power vessels and boats without putting the environment at risk. Here’s how it works and why it’s beneficial to your company.
The diesel-electric marine propulsion system is made up of several diesel engines that power multiple electric generators, which create the electrical energy required to operate the electric thrusters for boats and other electrical loads.
One or multiple diesel gen-sets can generate the electricity required to power electric thrusters for boats. The electricity can also be used to power many other devices on the vessel at the same time, such bow thrusters, hotel electrical load and pumps. This can eliminate the need for multiple diesel engines to be running concurrently just to operate different devices on the vessel.
The diesel-electric marine propulsion system is a versatile system that can be employed in boats of various sizes and for a variety of applications due to its functionality and flexibility. Unlike conventional propulsion systems, it is made up of several diesel gen-sets of varying sizes and transfers energy via cables rather than long shafts.
Designers and naval architects may create and devise efficient layout plans for vessels utilising diesel-electric drives due to their versatility. Their flexible machinery arrangement allows them to be placed in various areas throughout the vessel, results in better distribution of the equipment in the vessel & maximizing the cargo space.
With Power Management System, PMS, the diesel gen-sets of the diesel-electric drive are only activated when needed, based on the vessel’s load requirement; they will also start and stop automatically as the load demand varies. This keeps the average loading of each running diesel gen-set close to its optimum load point, thus enhancing the efficiency of the energy usage on the vessel and reducing fuel consumption. As a result, helps your company to save costs on fuel.
The diesel-electric drive’s capacity to tailor electrical power outputs to changing electrical needs of ship systems in order to save costs and reduce fuel consumption also leads to overall greater or optimal electrical system performance and operational efficiency.
The diesel-electric marine propulsion system consumes also significantly less diesel fuel and emits far less pollutants into the atmosphere compared to traditional diesel line shaft propulsion systems, making it much more environmentally friendly.
In addition to all these benefits, the diesel-electric drive is also substantially quieter in operation, producing less noise and vibration while it’s running, providing passengers with a far more comfortable journey on board.
At Engtek, we recognise the devastation that pollutants have on the marine ecosystem. We strive to “Go Green” and lead the industry in this direction by shifting toward providing a more sustainable and eco-friendly marine electrification solution. Contact us today for cutting-edge technology, high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.