ABB has launched a new SureWave Static Frequency Converter in order to ensure static, seamless, and automated transfer of power from a ship’s onboard generator to an onshore power source, removing the need to use diesel generators when in port.
The company says that switching to this next generation of static conversion technology will enable ship owners to avoid fines and taxes imposed for not using shore power once berthed. ABB has engineered SureWave SFC to be 50% smaller than previous models and for added flexibility, it can be installed on the vessel or side of the port. To further increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, SureWave can be paralleled or connected to renewable energy sources like PV or wind farms. As frequency and voltage can vary between ports around the world, SureWave SFC allows flexibility when connecting 60 Hz powered equipment to a 50 Hz supply network or vice versa. In addition, using a power module smart enough to operate as an inverter or rectifier, makes maintenance, stocking, and servicing stress free.
ABB’s SureWave is accredited with the PEP ecopassport, an assessment aligned with the UN sustainability program and ISO 14025 and ISO 14040 to verify a product’s environmental performance. The accreditation considers materials, production, transportation, usage, and end of life.
Sebastien Surply, Global Product Group Manager, ABB Power Protection, said: “The shipping industry is under increasing pressure to reduce global carbon emissions and its environmental impact. Many ports are introducing penalties for ships using diesel generators when they are docked. By switching to next generation static conversion technology like SureWave, operators can avoid charges and significantly lower CO2 emissions and noise pollution during their stay. During SureWave’s estimated 15-year lifetime, shipyard owners and operators could expect to reduce their CO2 emissions by approximately 350t and deliver operational cost savings to port stakeholders in the region of US$ 1.4m when compared to traditional rotary systems.”
Thanks to its modular design, SureWave SFC from ABB can cover a variety of power sizes. Scalable from 250 kVA up to 2.25 MVA for a single system, it is suited to small to medium port and shipyard installations, as well as a range vessel types. If required, SureWave SFC can support loads up to 10 MVA with multiple system parallel connections. SureWave SFC provides overload and fault clearing capabilities and low distortion. Distortion caused by unoptimised power supplies can result in harmonics, unbalance, and low power factor, which lead to higher electricity bills and potential damage to electrical infrastructure.
