Vacon AC drives save fuel at sea

In the highly competitive marine sector, increased demand for efficiency is the main reason for using AC drives in fan, winch, propeller, and various special applications. This is equally true of all vessel types, from large luxury liners and cargo ships to small workboats. Consequently, the annual growth in this market segment ranges between 20 and 30%.

Why use speed control?

  • energy savings up to 40%
  • less electro-mechanical stress for electrical system
  • process control according to demand
  • flexibility in power generation and distribution
  • flexibility in ship design, providing more freedom in layout

Demanding environments

The reliability of onboard equipment is a crucial factor at sea where vibration, humidity, and salt can be harmful for both mechanical and electronic components. Sudden breakdowns lead to costly downtime and expensive service operations and are also a safety risk. To ensure trouble-free operation, special requirements are therefore placed on the choice of components and materials.

In spite of the strict standards, marine applications have not been an obstacle for Vacon. The load tolerances of both the Vacon CX and the new Vacon NX range of products are well within the approved limits and robust designs protect the equipment against vibration. The fireproof halogen-free cabling used in all applications is also a major advantage.

Today, the number of Vacon drives in marine operation exceeds 4000, about 2500 of which are in fan applications and about 1000 in winch applications. The reference list includes some of the latest and most luxurious cruise liners where the number of units onboard a single vessel exceeds 250, and fast ferries, cable layers, offshore vessels and fishing boats, to mention only a few.

A customer-friendly approach

By applying its accumulated expertise and field experience, Vacon has further developed its marine drives concept to ensure easy planning and optimum technology for each installation. The approach includes a range of air and liquid cooled standard frequency converters. All products meet the requirements of classification societies and are delivered with a survey report.

The concept is to a great extent focussed on the modular Vacon NX with separate power and control sections and easily customised software. The NX range provides options for both air and liquid based cooling. Although both solutions use the same control section, the liquid cooled NX has a specially designed power section where all components requiring cooling are mounted on aluminium cooling elements. This unique direct liquid-cooling of power components allows space savings of up to 80% compared with conventional air cooled drives, making it an ideal choice for marine and other applications with limited space. The plug-and-play modules also allow easy maintenance and simplified logistics.

Liquid cooling is available for the NX units from 7.5 kW up to 3 MW, rated at 400 to 500 V and 525 to 690 V.

News

26.10.2009 13:00:00

Vacon exhibits full range of AC drives in Brazil

The global AC drives manufacturer Vacon will display its widest range of low-voltage AC drives at the ABTCP-PI 2009 exhibition in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 26-29 October. Vacon's air- and liquid-cooled AC drives and common DC bus components are well suited for all branches of the industry. Vacon is also extending its services in Brazil, where the economy is rapidly recovering from a short-term recession.

22.10.2009 14:00:00

Vacon to extend services in Latin America

The global AC drives manufacturer Vacon is extending its services in Brazil, where the economy is rapidly recovering from a short-term recession.

7.10.2009 11:00:00

Vacon equips the world's first diesel-electric main propulsion on river cruise vessel with AC drives

The global AC drives manufacturer Vacon has delivered AC drives to MV Viking Legend, the world's first river cruise vessel featuring a diesel-electric propulsion system.