The Ulstein Group has introduced the ULSTEIN POWER VSG (variable speed generator) system, which it says has been designed to set new standards in marine power efficiency.
According to Ulstein, the VSG system has been designed to optimize power generation on marine vessels by dynamically adjusting its speed to match load requirements. The company says that the VSG system 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 is said to dynamically adjust its speed to match load requirements, delivering power to the grid “within the sweet spot of energy efficiency,” Ulstein says. Taken together, the company says that this results in significant improvements in fuel consumption, emission reduction, and overall system performance.
Together with technical measures and overall ship design, the operational results on the construction service operation vessel (CSOV) Olympic Boreas show a record-low 2.7 tonne fuel consumption per 24 hours during a week of DP operations.
According to Ulstein, running the engines at variable speed optimizes power production based on the vessel’s energy demand. Technical measures onboard have reduced power demand to 250-300 kilowatts under certain conditions. With such low power requirements, variable speed is significantly more efficient than constant speed, contributing to greatly reduced energy consumption per kWh produced.
Several companies in the Ulstein Group have been involved in planning, developing, and building the CSOV Olympic Boreas 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 AS analyzed 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 its Power & Control division, Ulstein says that the VSG system redefines the standards of efficiency, sustainability, and performance in marine AC power systems. It is said to substantially improve fuel consumption, emission reduction, overall system performance, and lower maintenance costs.
Ulstein says that the Olympic Boreas achieved close to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other CSOVs. According to Ulstein, this highlights how the ULSTEIN POWER VSG, together with technical measures and overall ship design, can effectively enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs.
