LNG fueled bulkers to have PM shaft generators

MAY 10, 2016 — The two LNG dual-fueled 25,600 dwt bulkers ordered by Finland’s ESL Shipping at the Qingshan Shipyard in China (see earlier story) will have WE Tech Solutions direct-drive permanent magnet (PM) shaft generator solutions.

The PM shaft generators in the WE Tech systems are being provided by The Switch, which specializes in megawatt-class PM machines for advanced marine drive trains.

In the Power Take Out (PTO) mode, WE Drive enables propulsion machinery to operate in combinator/variable speed while the direct-drive permanent magnet shaft generator produces up to 700 kW of electrical power for the vessel’s electrical network. Significant savings can be achieved by drastically decreasing the operating hours of the auxiliary generators, as well as reducing the need for maintenance.

In Power Take In (PTI) mode, WE Drive converts auxiliary generator power to propulsion power by employing the direct-drive permanent magnet shaft generator as an electrical motor.

The solution is utilized to boost the propulsion system with 1,250 kW of mechanical power when operating in demanding conditions.

“With the active front-end low harmonic drive technology (WE Drive) and the permanent magnet shaft generator technology in our solution, the energy efficiency of the machinery reaches levels unmatched in the marine industry,” says Martin Andtfolk, Sales Manager of WE Tech.

“The market has now recognized that a PM shaft generator is the most energy-efficient way to generate power in a vessel,” say Mika Koli, Business Development Manager at The Switch.

The choice of The Switch PMM 1000 shaft generator, the most common type delivered to date, is well suited for this type of bulk carrier vessel.  It is installed directly on the propeller line and allows extremely high energy efficiency, especially in part loads.

The delivery from WE Tech is scheduled for March 2017. The vessels will begin operation in the Baltic Sea in early 2018.

“Our vision is 30% less fuel consumed in the global shipping industry by 2030,” says Mårten Storbacka, Managing Director of WE Tech. “This is a perfect example of implementing advanced drive train solutions for green shipping. ESL’s goal of operating extremely energy-efficient LNG-fueled bulk carrier vessels is further supported by the choice of The Switch PM shaft generator.”