Sep 1 2008
Siemens Ltd. China has received an order from China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC) to provide the electrical equipment for a heavy lift carrier with a carrying capacity of 20,000 dwt.
The equipment package includes the propulsion system, a medium-voltage distribution system, a power management system and the automation system. The order is worth several million euros. The heavy lift carrier will be built in a dockyard in south China and is to be put into service at the end of 2009.
The operation of heavy lift carriers places high demands on the reliability and operational dependability of all systems and components, particularly the drives, the electrical power supply system and the automation equipment. Siemens has already fitted two Chinese heavy lift carriers with diesel-electric propulsion and automation systems, which were delivered in 2003.
The new heavy lift carrier will also be fitted with a diesel-electric propulsion system. The main propulsion will have two shaft drive units, each with an electrical output of 4,900 kW. Two bow thrusters, each with an output of 800 kW, ensure good manoeuvring characteristics. The electric motors will be supplied with power through Sinamics converters. Siemens is supplying three 4800 kVA generators to provide electrical power on board.
A medium-voltage switchgear unit, two medium-voltage distribution transformers and a power management system round off the electrical power supply equipment. The Siship Imac ship automation system, which will perform monitoring, alarm and control functions for the electrical equipment on board, will collect and process around 2,000 signals. The ship's crew will be able to access all the monitoring and control functions from consoles on the bridge and in the engine room. In addition, it will be possible to pilot the ship by means of an easy-to-use joystick system
For more information on automated systems, click here.