Ulstein has launched the Ulstein Power Variable Speed Generator (VSG), designed to optimise power generation on vessels by dynamically adjusting its speed to match load requirements.
Together with technical measures and overall ship design, the operational results on the recently-delivered Construction Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) Olympic Boreas show a fuel consumption of 2.7t per 24 hours during a week of DP operations.
Running the engines at variable speed optimises power production based on the vessel’s energy demand. Technical measures onboard have reduced power demand to 250-300kW under certain conditions. With these low power requirements, variable speed can prove significantly more efficient than constant speed, contributing to greatly reduced energy consumption per kWh produced.
Several companies in Ulstein Group have been involved in planning, developing, and building the CSOV for Olympic. The process started with an energy-efficient hull and thorough evaluations of systems and components. Once elements like main dimensions, seakeeping properties, and uptime were in place, Ulstein Design & Solutions analysed how the ship could become as energy efficient as possible, considering various system and propulsion solutions to achieve the best energy use and recovery results.
Developed by Ulstein Power & Control, the Ulstein Power VSG is claimed to redefine the standards of efficiency, sustainability, and performance in marine AC power systems. It has been shown to substantially improve fuel consumption, emission reduction, overall system performance, and lower maintenance costs. The AC system is based on known robust technical solutions, offering reliability.
Using the system on Olympic Boreas represents close to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other CSOVs.
This highlights how the Ulstein Power VSG, the technical measures, and the overall ship design can effectively enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs. Key components of the system include a powertrain, energy storage solutions, and the power and energy management system.
Ulstein believes it has delivered a solution that meets and exceeds maritime operations’ demands by combining variable speed generation with automation and energy management applications. As the industry prioritises sustainability and efficiency, the Ulstein Power VSG is considered to be a key enabler in navigating the future of green marine power solutions.
Ulstein Power VSG is designed to optimise power generation; it includes advanced load sharing strategy between fixed and variable speed generators operating in parallel. Unlike traditional fixed-speed generators, which operate at a constant speed regardless of demand, the Ulstein Power VSG dynamically adjusts its speed to match load requirements, delivering power to the grid within the sweet spot of energy efficiency. This can result in significant improvements in fuel consumption, emission reduction, and overall system performance.
The Ulstein Power VSG system comprises several critical components:
- Powertrain: The core component of the system, adjusting the generator’s rotational speed to deliver optimized power output based on real-time demand.
- Energy storage solutions: Instant power for quick response, supporting dynamic power demand for challenging operations.
- Power and energy management system: An advanced control solution that monitors and controls the generator’s speed and energy storage, ensuring simple operation, superb performance and efficiency.
Among the features offered by the system are:
- Enhanced fuel efficiency: By adjusting the generator’s speed to match the exact power demand, the Ulstein Power VSG minimises fuel consumption, resulting in significant savings in fuel costs.
- Reduced emissions: The optimisation of fuel usage directly translates to lower emissions, helping vessels comply with stringent environmental regulations.
- Improved system reliability: Integration with a battery energy storage system ensures a dynamic and stable power supply, even during peak demand or generator fluctuations.
- Lower maintenance costs: Variable speed operation improves combustion and reduces mechanical stress on the diesel engine and associated components, resulting in a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements. Operating at a variable speed has the potential to increase the time between services by 50-70%.
- Combining a robust low voltage AC solution with high-tech power conversion and energy storage systems, the Ulstein Power VSG ensures reliability and efficiency.
Ulstein Power VSG is suitable for a range of vessels, including:
- Offshore vessels: Provides reliable, dynamic and efficient power for DP-operated vessels like, SOVs, subsea, and support ships.
- Expedition Cruise vessels: Ensures a smooth and efficient power supply, enhancing passenger comfort and operational reliability.
- Aquaculture vessels: Highly variable power demands depending on the type of operation will have great benefit from the Ulstein Power VSG, ensuring a significantly reduced environmental footprint.
Image: CSOV ‘Olymoic Boreas’ has shown the advantages of the Ulstein Power VSG system (source: Ulsein Group)
