Even though the concept of generating your vessel with the indirect, two-step diesel electric energy scheme may seem to be unduly complicated, its many benefits might make it a convincingly excellent option to a typical mechanical forces prop-shaft drive. When underway, all of the electric energy needed by the ship can be provided from the diesel electric hybrid marine propulsion system, thus avoiding the necessity to run a genset.
A diesel electric power system can employ a single motor to power several propellers or numerous engines to drive one or more propellers. When running within the speed restrictions enforced in many places, one machine can power both propellers in a twin-engine/twin-prop configuration. Operators may utilise electrical power from the vessel's generator to move the boat, giving a built-in backup, especially for single-engine ships.
The following are some of the most compelling advantages of Diesel Electric Drive systems:
- Effective design: The option to place your generators wherever you choose on the ship, regardless of where the power will be used;
- Smaller Engine Rooms: Numerous small generators could be used to replace a sizeable slow-speed engine.
- Reduced Vibration and Noise: There's no need for extensive drivelines. Thus there's less noise and vibration.
- Flexibility: The capacity to spread the energy of a single unit across multiple devices (primary propeller, bow thrusters, hotel load, pumps, and so on).
- Redundancy: Generators can be shifted to accommodate any machine downtime.
- Efficiency: Depending on the requirements, the system can improve fuel efficiency (especially if long low speed/load periods are required).
- Computation of fuel usage savings: Compared to a typical vessel with a mechanical marine propulsion system, this improves energy efficiency and saves fuel consumption by maintaining the average power of each operating diesel engine close to its optimum powerpoint.
In many cases, a single-engine twin-prop diesel electrical system will cost no more than a typical twin-engine direct-mechanical drive system. The various advantages of the diesel electric drive, when appropriately integrated into the vessel's structure, will undoubtedly make it the favoured boat propulsion system for vessel operators and owners.
This innovation will be helpful for marine electrification now and in the future.
