Electric Propulsion Systems for Ships

Dr. Hiroyasu KIFUNE

Associate Prof. (Tokyo Univ. of Marine Sci. and Tech.)

Lectures: Electric Machines, Power Electronics,
Electric Propulsion System for Ships
Research Area:
Power Electronics
Dr. Hiroyasu KIFUNE

Associate Prof. (Tokyo Univ. of Marine Sci. and Tech.)

Lectures: Electric Machines, Power Electronics,
Electric Propulsion System for Ships
Research Area:
Power Electronics, Induction Heating Technologies
Saving Energy of Ships

Photo from <http://www.naze.biz/database/124/#category-tech>

<http://www.marubishi-ht.com/category/1327488.html>
Today’s lecture title is…

Electric Propulsion Systems for Ships

 Agenda

 Overview of Electric Propulsion Ships

 Comparison with Auto Motives and Ships
Why Auto motives adopt Electric Propulsion?
 Advantage and Disadvantage
 Reason with kind of Ships
 Future view
 What is Electric Propulsion?

 It is the technology which moves by the power of an

electric motor.
 Maybe, the railroad is familiar.
 What is Electric Propulsion?

 It is the technology which moves by the power of an

electric motor.
 Maybe, the railroad is familiar.
 What is Electric Propulsion?

 It is the technology which moves by the power of an

electric motor.
 Maybe, the railroad is familiar.

Pantagraph
 What is Electric Propulsion?

 It is the technology which moves by the power of an

electric motor.
 Maybe, the railroad is familiar.

Pantagraph

Converted and
Controlled

Electric Motor
Data and Photo from…
http://www.chiri.com/railwaymap/pdf/syutoken_rosen_201003.pdf
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~eg6f-tkhs/tetu/toei_edo.htm
 Car with Electric Motor

 Hybrid car runs combining the power of engine,

electric motor with battery.

Gasoline
Gear Box Tires
Engine
Main power supply

Electric
Battery
Motor
Aux. power supply
 Car with Electric Motor

 Hybrid car runs combining the power of engine,

electric motor with battery.
 EV (Electric Vehicle) runs only battery.

Gear Box Tires

Electric
Battery
Motor
Main power supply
Various Electric Propulsion Ships
Battery Boat

Raicho I
LOA: 10m
DW:3ton
Passenger: 12
Lithium ion battery
Permanent Magnetic Motor
 LPG carrier

No.10 Izumi Maru

Owner: NGL
LOA: 70m
DW:1,056ton
Cargo: LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
Photo from <http://www.ngl.co.jp/ship8.html>
 Cement carrier
Ko-zan Maru
Owner: JRTT,
Yamaki Transport
LOA: 160m
DW:22,000ton
Cargo: Cement

Photo from <http://www.ube-ind.co.jp/usl/ships/ship40.htm>

 Oil Tanker

MASTERA
Owner: SEB Leasing Oy
LOA: 252m
DW:106,200ton
Atrantic O
Photo from <Monthly Ships, Dec. 2003>
 LNG carrier

Photo from
PROVALYS
<http://www.visualships.com/Provalys.htm> LOA: 290m
DW: 154,400m3
 Cruise Passenger Ship

Diamond Princess
Owner: P&O
LOA: 290m
GT:115,800ton
Photo from <http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/>
Passenger:2,674
 Oceanographic Ship
CHIKYU
LOA:210m
GT: 56,752ton
Drilling Depth：2,500m

Photo from <http://blog.goo.ne.jp/taro-x/e/53a94879e93eb80beaafee34b1797a59>

FPSO
(Floating Production, Storage and Offloading system)

Oil drilling Ship

Excavating from 1,200m in depth

Photo from <http://www.oilrig-photos.com/picture/number1865.asp>

 Electric Propulsion in Car

 Why does it become energy saving if a car uses an

electric motor and a battery?
Speed

Power
Conventional Car
 Electric Propulsion in Car

Speed

Power
Motor assisted power

Hybrid Car

Charging battery

Photo from <http://www.honda.co.jp/INSIGHT/webcatalog/color/>

 Electric Propulsion in Car

Speed
 When slowing down, the
kinetic energy which the
body has is collected as
electric power.
 By storing in a battery Power
temporarily, this electric Motor assisted power
power can be again used
at the time of the next
acceleration.
Charging battery

Photo from <http://www.honda.co.jp/INSIGHT/webcatalog/color/>

 Electric Vehicle

 Electric vehicle is also the same and the body kinetic

energy at the time of a slowdown is collected as
electric power.
 Battery is an important key device.

Electric Vehicle

Photo from <http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/i-miev/color/index.html>

 Lithium ion Battery

 Lithium ion battery is small compared with a lead

storage battery.
 High power.
 However, it is still expensive.
 How is ship?

 No traffic signal, no pedestrian

 No brake device on the board
 Continue running
 Hardly slow down.
 Kinetic Energy

 If acceleration and a slowdown are repeated frequently…

 Kinetic Energy

 If acceleration and a slowdown are repeated frequently…

Weight: 1 ton
Speed: 16m/s
Kinetic energy: 128kJ
 Kinetic Energy

 If acceleration and a slowdown are repeated frequently…

Weight: 1 ton
Speed: 16m/s
Kinetic energy: 128kJ

Weight: 100,000 ton

Speed: 8m/s
Kinetic energy: 3.2GJ
 Kinetic Energy

 If acceleration and a slowdown are repeated25,000

frequently…
times
Weight: 1 ton
Speed: 16m/s
Kinetic energy: 128kJ

Weight: 100,000 ton

Speed: 8m/s
Kinetic energy: 3.2GJ
 Kinetic Energy

 If acceleration and a slowdown are repeated25,000

frequently…
times
Weight: 1 ton
Speed: 16m/s
Kinetic energy: 128kJ

Weight: 100,000 ton Hybrid system using

Speed: 8m/s battery is unreal for ship
Kinetic energy: 3.2GJ
But… there are Electric Propulsion Ships?

 We need to clarify a definition of electric propulsion

for ships.
If it adopts hybrid system with battery…

 Large amount of battery is needed.

 Ship is larger than car.
 Large amount of battery can be boarded.
 But too expensive
 Motivation is different with kind of ships.
 Generator system of Conventional Cargo Ships

Photo from <http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/>

 Generator system of Conventional Cargo Ships

 Electricity demand is small.

 2 Generators are equipped.
 Only one set of either is usually operated.

Laod A
Gen.
Laod B

Laod C
Gen. Laod D
220V/110V
440V, 60Hz
Photo from <http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/>
 Large Diesel Engine for Main Engine

Features
 Very big (24m, 15m)
 Super heavy (2000 ton)
 High Power (60,000 kW)

Main
Engine
Propeller
Photo from <http://www.mol.co.jp/ishin/engine/present/index.html>
<http://www.mhi.co.jp/products/detail/mitsubishi-wartsila_diesel_engine.html>
 Configuration of General Cargo Ships

Electric System Propulsion System

Laod A
Gen.
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen. Laod D Propeller
220V/110V
440V, 60Hz
 Large Diesel Engine for Main Engine

Features
 Very big (24m, 15m)
 Super heavy (2000 ton)
 High Power (60,000 kW)
 High Efficiency ( over 50% )

Cleaner transport

Photo from <http://www.mol.co.jp/ishin/engine/present/index.html>

<http://www.mhi.co.jp/products/detail/mitsubishi-wartsila_diesel_engine.html>
 Values in kinds of transportation

Cost

Energy Saving

Speed

Convenience

Mass Transportation
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
System for Ships

Laod A
Gen.
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen. Laod D Propeller
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
System for Ships

Laod A
Gen.
Laod B

Laod C
Gen. Laod D
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
System for Ships

Gen.

Gen.

Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
System for Ships

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
System for Ships

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
Constant
Frequency
System for Ships
Supply suitable
60Hz frequency for Speed Control
control by frequency
Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.
 Motor speed can be controlled by the frequency of electric
power.
 Generator outputs constant frequency (60Hz)
 Power converter supply suitable frequency and demanded
power
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
System for Ships

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.
Power Converter
Inverter
Converter
DC 
60Hz AC  DC
Various frequency AC
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
System for Ships
Harmonic
Distortion
Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Configuration of Electric Propulsion
System for Ships
Special
Transformer for
Power converter
Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C

Photo from <http://www.risho.co.jp/product/products3/special_use/converter/converter.htm>

 Comparison with Conventional and
Electric Propulsion system
Gen. Laod A
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen.
Laod D Propeller

Gen.
Power
Converter
Gen. Motor
Power
Converter
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen.
Laod C
Advantage and Disadvantage
 Advantage 1
(Free Arrangement)

Generator Generator Generator

Generator

Generator Generator

Generator
Generator
Generator
 Advantage 2
(Enhance cargo space)

Cargo Space
G

Engine Room
 Advantage 2
(Enhance cargo space)

G
Cargo Space G C
G M

Engine Room
 Advantage 2
(Enhance cargo space)

G
Cargo Space G C
G M

Engine Room
 Advantage 3
(Reduction of resistance from sea water)

Resistance from sea water Engine Room

 Advantage 3
(Reduction of resistance from sea water)

 Improvement of vessel’s shape

G C
G
G M

Resistance from sea water is reduced Engine Room

 Advantage 4
(Communalization of replacement parts)

Gen.
Engine

Main Engine
Gen.
Engine
 Advantage 4
(Communalization of replacement parts)
 Advantage 4
(Communalization of replacement parts)

easy
Gen. Gen.
Engine Engine

Gen. Gen.
Engine Engine
 Advantage 5
(Redundancy)

 There is no machine which does not break down.

 Failure of a machine cannot be prevented thoroughly.
 Delay of delivery turns to business loss.
 Advantage 5
(Redundancy)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Advantage 5
(Redundancy)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Still can GO!
Gen. Laod C
 Advantage 6
(Low vibration and noise)

Conventional Ship
 Vibration induced mechanically is large amplitude and
low frequency
 Vibration frequency is not constant
 Screws may loosen by vibration
Main
 Slack of screw causes loose connection
Engine
 Noise is also loud
 No technology to remove such a vibration
 Advantage 6
(Low vibration and noise)

Electric Propulsion Ship

 Engine speed is always constant
 Vibration frequency also constant
 Tends to deal with
 Noise also becomes small
Gen.
Engine M
 Advantage 7
(Maneuvering)

Torque
Engine

Speed

 Torque is small in a low engine-speed region

 Advantage 7
(Maneuvering)

Torque
Engine

Electric
Motor

Speed
 Electric motor can output maximum torque in low
speed region
 Advantage 7
(Maneuvering)

Torque
Engine

Electric
Motor Electric
Motor

Speed
 Electric motor can output maximum torque in low
speed region
 Electric motor can change over the direction of its
revolution
 These features provides good maneuvering capability
 Advantage 7
(Maneuvering)

Conventional
 Ship needs to help pushing and pulling by tugboat
when she enter and departure port.
 It takes long time.
Electric Propulsion
 Can control speed, direction, and position precisely
 Tugboat is necessarily unnecessary.
Photo from <http://pictrial.exblog.jp/10186697/>
 Disadvantage 1
(Increasing Initial Cost)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Disadvantage 1
(Increasing Initial Cost)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Disadvantage 1
(Increasing Initial Cost)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Disadvantage 1
(Increasing Initial Cost)
Gen. Laod A
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen.
Laod D Propeller

Gen.
Power
Converter
Gen. Motor
Power
Converter
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen.
Laod C
 Disadvantage 1
(Increasing Initial Cost)
Gen. Laod A
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen.
Laod D Propeller

Gen.
Power
Converter
Gen. Motor
Power
Converter
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen.
Laod C
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)
Gen. Laod A
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen.
Laod D Propeller
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)
Gen. Laod A
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen.
Laod D Propeller

Main
Engine
Intermediate shaft Thrust Propeller
bearing bearing shaft bearing
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)
Gen. Laod A
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen.
Laod D Propeller

100%

Main
Engine
Intermediate shaft Thrust Propeller
bearing bearing shaft bearing
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)
Gen. Laod A
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen.
Laod D Propeller

Friction Friction Friction

Main
Engine
Intermediate shaft Thrust Propeller
bearing bearing shaft bearing
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)
Gen. Laod A
Laod B Main
Laod C Engine
Gen.
Laod D Propeller

100% 96 ~ 98%

Main
Engine
Intermediate shaft Thrust Propeller
bearing bearing shaft bearing
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Laod A
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.

Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Generator Laod A
Alternator
Engine
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
100% 94%
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.
93% 85~89% 81~86%
Power
Converter Motor
Gen.
Generator Laod A
Alternator
Engine
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
100%
 Disadvantage 2
(Decreasing Efficiency)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.
93% 85~89% 81~86%
Power
Converter Motor
Gen. Power loss
Generator Laod A is very large
Alternator
Engine
Laod B
Gen. Laod C
100%
Disadvantage 3
(Vague Uneasiness)
 Disadvantage 3
(Vague Uneasiness)

 Difficult to specify failure parts and trouble causes.

Power
Converter

NO!
 Owner willing to adopt
electric propulsion?
The reasons with kinds of ship
 Case of Large Passenger Ship
 Various services is provided

Photo from <http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/index.html>

<http://www.cruiseplanet.co.jp/ship_date/dt_pr_ruby.htm>
 Case of Large Passenger Ship

 Infrastructures are needed in many facilities for service

 Demand electric power is large
Case of Large Passenger Ship
 Case of Large Passenger Ship

 Lots of Generator is needed.

 Not necessary to divide engine for utility and propulsion.

Gen.
Gen.
Gen.
Gen.
 Case of Large Passenger Ship

 Low vibration and noise

 Large and comfortable living environment

ZZZ…

Gen.
Gen.
Gen.
Gen.
 Case of drilling ship

Photo from <http://www.ecool.jp/foreign/2011/01/diamondo04-1003.html>

 Case of drilling ship

Photo from <http://www.ecool.jp/foreign/2011/01/diamondo04-1003.html>

Case of drilling ship
Case of drilling ship

OK ?
Case of drilling ship

Ocean Snake?
current
Case of drilling ship

Oh NO!

Oil leak
 Case of drilling ship

 Where am I?
GPS: Global Positioning System
Position on earth can be calculated
 Case of drilling ship

 Azimuth thruster
It can control the direction of thrust force
without the rudder.

Photo from open document of ABB

 Case of drilling ship
Cable layer

DPS: Dynamic Positioning System

Oceanographic research ship

Photo from <http://dokai.co.jp/cable.html>

<http://blog.goo.ne.jp/taro-x/e/53a94879e93eb80beaafee34b1797a59>
Case of LNG carrier
(Conventional)

 LNG: Liquefied Natural Gas

 Main ingredient is Methane
 Liquefied under -161oC
 Case of LNG carrier
(Conventional)
 BOG : Boil Off Gas

LNG evaporates with heat which enters Boiler

from outside a tank

BOG is burned by a boiler together with

heavy fuel oil as fuel.
Case of LNG carrier
(Conventional)

 Conventional LNG carrier has a steam

turbine plant.
 High reliability
 No vibration and low noise

Boiler

Steam
Turbine
 Case of LNG carrier
(Problems to be solved)

 Thermal efficiency is low compared with the diesel

engine plant.
 Engineers who have advanced technical knowledge
and technology are needed.

Boiler

Steam Diesel
Turbine Engine
Case of LNG carrier

 DFE : Dual Fuel Engine

 DEE can use BOG as fuel

Power
converter
DFE
Gen. Electric
Motor
 Case of LNG carrier
(Unloading)

To harbor
 Unloading pump and
Ballast pump operate
simultaneously in order to
keep balance

Unloading
Pump

Ballast Pump
Ballast tank
 Case of Tanker for Icy Ocean

 There is no advantage introducing an electric

propulsion system for tanker.

Photo from <http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki>

 Case of Tanker for Icy Ocean

 Ice breaking capability.

 Advance and sternway are repeated frequently.
 High torque is needed in a low speed condition
Photo from <Monthly Ships, Dec. 2003>
 Case of Tanker for Icy Ocean

Torque Engine Torque

Electric
Motor

Speed Speed
 Engine torque is not sufficient in low speed
 Electric motor output max torque in wide speed range
Future View of Electric Propulsion Ship
 Si  SiC
(Power semiconductor)

Gen.
Power
Converter Motor

Gen.
Power Converter
Inverter
Converter
DC 
60Hz AC  DC
Various frequency AC

 If SiC is used as a material of power semiconductors,

the efficiency of the power converter can be improved.
Thank you