ABB debuts Dynamic AC Concept

New electric power system is ideal for cruise ships and can reduce annual fuel consumption by 6%

Zurich, Switzerland, March 14 2016 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, is launching a new Dynamic AC (DAC) concept that optimizes engine speed, leading to significant fuel savings.  It joins a number of established ABB products, such as Azipod propulsion and the Onboard DC Grid, which maximize energy efficiency for vessel owners.
 
For a large cruise ship, for example, up to 6 percent (or up to 2000 tons of fuel) of annual savings can be achieved by engine speed optimization.  The concept has been created with a simple configuration of electrical system using existing and proven ABB components, which ensures quality and reliability.  The concept is new to the commercial maritime industry.

“No matter what bunker costs are now, ship owners look to the long term and always want ways to maximize fuel efficiency,” says Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s Marine and Ports business.  “Once again, our strong emphasis on research and development has produced a solution of great business value to our customers.”

DAC adjusts the rotational speed of the diesel generating sets, allowing the system frequency to vary within the specified range.  Currently, many ships still run with their generators at a set speed, regardless of the power requirement, creating a surplus of wasted energy.  The medium voltage power system in the ship is specially engineered for variable frequency, including component design and system integration. Distribution for the auxiliary and hotel loads is provided by frequency converters or directly from the variable frequency system.

“ABB has had great success providing power and propulsion solutions to the cruise industry.  Dynamic AC is another tool for cruise companies to build fleets which are more efficient and more environmentally friendly,” said Koskela.

It will sit alongside the Onboard DC Grid in ABB’s portfolio of power distribution products that can significantly increase ship fuel efficiency.  Whereas the Onboard DC Grid can improve the performance of vessels with a lower power requirement, DAC is aimed at larger ships with power of 20MW or more.