1.

Specialized Knowledge of High Voltage Switchgear

1. Introduction

In recent years, container vessels and LNG carriers have significantly increased in size.
Mainstream container vessels are now 8,000 TEU. Supersized vessels of 14,000 TEU and over
200,000 m3 LNG carriers have been built. With the size increase of these vessels, inboard power
supply systems have also been required to increase their capacities. However, since capacities of
generators are limited, applicable voltages have been increased from AC440V to AC3.3kV or
AC6.6kV to satisfy the increased capacity. The number of vessels with high voltage power
management systems is expected to increase in the future; therefore it is necessary for engineers
in the marine industry to have an advanced understanding of high voltage power distribution
systems. In this article, system voltages, power distribution systems and earthing systems which
are applied to vessels with high voltage systems are explained by using single line system
diagrams and other materials. In addition to the above, this article includes characteristics of high
voltage systems, such as the boundary between low voltage systems and high voltage systems,
their advantages and disadvantages, requirements of classification and standard.

2. Consideration for High Voltage Power Distribution Systems

2.1 Introduction
When an inboard capacity of a power distribution is increased, voltage is required to be increased
accordingly. In general, for a commercial vessel, a high voltage power distribution system is
applied when the total capacity of a generator is over approximately 10 MVA. Electric propulsion
plants with single propulsion motors having a capacity over approximately 0.3 MW, and bow
thrusters having a capacity over approximately 1 MW as a partial high voltage system, in these
cases the application of a high voltage power distribution system is considered.
When the voltage of the power distribution system for a vessel is determined, first, the points below
concerning low voltage power distribution systems have to be considered carefully. In addition to
that, a careful decision should be made to choose either a low voltage power distribution system or
a high voltage power distribution system in consideration of safety, reliability and a comprehensive
point of view to the cost effectiveness.

1) Capacity limit of the protective devices

2) Production limit of electric motors
3) Capacity limit of control equipment
4) Selection of earthing system
5) Quantity of cables required for power distribution system

The things to be considered for each item are described below.

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2.2 Points to be considered

2.2.1 Capacity limit of the protective devices

When the capacity of a power distribution system is greater, the short-circuit capacity of a
protective device is necessary to be examined. Also, when the capacity of a single generator and
other devices become greater, a rated current of a protective device reaches close to the limit. The
capacity of a protective device currently-used for a low voltage power distribution system and the
condition of the power supply which is to be determined are shown in Table 1.
For a low voltage power distribution system, when a breaking capacity of a protective device is
short, a split bus method is used for a bus bar of a distribution board and a tie breaker is provided
to cover the shortage of the capacity. This system also should be taken into consideration when
the type of system is determined.

Table 1: The maximum capacity of the protective device for the low voltage power
distribution
Rated Interrupting Power distribution system to be examined
current current
ACB 6,300 A 135 kA In case that the total capacity of the power supply is
1,200 A 120 ~180 kA over 10 MVA, or the capacity of the single generator is
MCCB over 4.5 MVA.
1,600 A 85 kA

2.2.2 Production limit of electric motors

A high voltage power distribution system is applied when a low voltage electric motor cannot be
produced or it is extremely uneconomical to produce due to the high capacity of the electric motors.
Normally, the production limit of low voltage electric motors is 4 MW. If more capacity of a single
machine is required, high voltage machines have to be applied.
On the other hand, for a single electric motor, the single capacity from 1 to 1.5 MW is the parting
point of the price difference. When the capacity is more than this range, a high voltage power
distribution system has an advantage, and when it is less than this range, a low voltage power
distribution system has an advantage.

2.2.3 Capacity limit of control equipment

According to the expansion of the capacity of a single machine, not only the electric motors but
also the controlling equipment for the motors, especially the capacity of the magnetic contactor has
to be carefully determined. The maximum rated current of a magnetic contactor which is applicable
under ordinary design conditions is about 1,600 A (if the frequency of the OPEN/CLOSE is reduced,
it will be about 2,500 A).
From this time forward, the capacity of a single motor more than 1MW (1.5 MW) will be the guide
line for adopting a high voltage power distribution system.

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2.2.4 Selection of earthing system
For a low voltage power distribution system, normally a 3 phase - 3 wire neutral insulation system
(unearthing system) is applied. And, for a high voltage power distribution system, sometimes a 3
phase - 3 wire neutral insulation system (unearthing system) is applied, but in this case, the
application of a neutral insulation system has also to be determined carefully considering cost
effectiveness and safety. According to the rules of the class society, the application of an earthing
distribution system for vessels carrying dangerous goods is prohibited in principle, however if
measures are taken such as preventing the earthing current flow to a hazardous area, it is
approved as an exception. Therefore it requires careful attention when deciding on an earthing
system.
When the type of the earthing system is selected, several matters should be evaluated
comprehensively such as its advantages and disadvantages, the type of vessel, requirement of the
class society, rated voltages, etc.

2.2.5 Quantity of cables required for power distribution system

Vessels require less cable length used for a system compared with cables for shore use, therefore
when the application of a high voltage power distribution system is determined, the cost for cable
will be given comparatively a small portion in decision-making.
However, if the current capacity increases, the percentage of the wiring cost (in total cost) will
increase accordingly.
For vessels, not only the wiring, (the limit of) the wiring space has to be taken into consideration
before determining whether a high voltage power distribution system will be adopted or not.
The partial high voltage system of the bow thruster is an example of that the wiring amount has
great effect on its application. In this case, a high voltage system is more likely to be applied
partially to the system using about 1 MW or more for the reasons given below.

1) Considering the capacity of the generator and the starting motor, reduced-voltage starting is
necessary. The transformer for reduced-voltage starting can be used as a step-up transformer,
which leads to cost reduction. However, this method demands careful attention to the inrush
current by switching the taps which may affect negatively on this system.
2) Due to long power distribution length, the cost of wiring has a major influence on the decision of
the system application.

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3. Power Distribution System

3.1 General
The power distribution plans of a vessel have to be decided considering various factors such as an
examination of the inboard load, determination of the generator capacity, selection of the applied
voltage, power supply system, earthing system and protection system. These have to be examined
based on the applied regulation, the classification rules, the type of vessel, and purpose. The high
voltage systems applied to vessels are organized as per Table 2. In addition, the planning
procedures of power distribution are shown in Figure1.

Table 2: Classification of the high voltage system for marine use

High voltage generating system High voltage power distribution system

The system which generates The system which distributes the

the power by a high voltage high voltage to heavy consumers
generator and distributes it.
The high
voltage system
Large scale high voltage power distribution system
for marine use
The system with large capacity such
that adopts the electric propulsion
Partial high voltage system system to the propulsion unit.

The system which generates the power by a low voltage generator

and applies high voltage only to the specific consumer with large
capacity.

A wide variety of systems can be determined according to the type of vessel, usage and purpose.
This article documents the basic planning of the main power distribution system, and the technical
problems of these items which have to be considered.

3.2 Applied Voltage

The applied voltages of the inboard high voltage power systems which are recommended by each
regulation are shown as in Table 3. As for the application of the voltages, normally it is selected
from Table 3 considering the three items below.
1) The rated voltage and rated current of the equipment
2) The rated breaking capacity of the protective device
3) The rated voltage and the rated current of the cables
In most cases, the selection of the applied voltage depends on the rated breaking capacity.
Generally, the regulation specifies the range of the high voltage as over 1 kV. However, the voltage
from 1 kV to 3 kV is not in widespread use which makes main high voltage equipment to be
specialized and uneconomical. 3.3 kV or 6.6 kV is commonly used for the Japanese standard
voltage. Therefore, the voltage should be based on 3.3 kV so it can be increased to 6.6 kV or 11 kV
to satisfy an adequate capacity.
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 From the background that the technology of oil drilling has been developed in the U.S., electric
products with the U.S. standard are used for oil drilling vessels. The on-land standard voltage in
the U.S. of 4,160 V is applied to many oil drilling vessels.

Examination of the inboard load

Examination of the demand power

Examination of the total capacity of the generator Decision of the single

generator capacity

Examination of the number of generators

Selection of the applied voltage

high voltage or low voltage

Examination of the Examination of

Examination of the range of the high voltage system motor voltage the starting
method

Examination of the applied voltage Examination of the Examination of Examination of

capacity of the the capacity of the number of
low voltage load the transformer the transformers
Examination of the power distribution system

Examination of the earthing system

Selection of the
Examination of the distribution system Calculation of the breaking capacity earthing protection
device

Examination of the cables Calculation of the earth fault current Examination of the
number of protective
devices
Outfitting plan

Figure 1: Flow chart of the high voltage power distribution plan

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Table 3: Application of the voltage

IEC92-503 Ed.2 (2007) NK (2007)

(Sec.1) Volume 2.17

Application range Over 1 kV, and 15 kV or less Over 500 V, and 15 kV or less

Recommended 3, 3.3, 6, 6.6,

Not specified
voltage 10, 11, 15 kV
Insulation classes
A higher insulation class than the
Other special insulation class against certain The equipment used for the three wire
nominal voltage may be required system insulation circuit should be
instruction depending on the condition inboard. endurable to the transient
In this case, an agreement between over-voltage which occurs at earth
the manufacturer and the buyer is faulting.
necessary.
LR (2005) NV (2007)
Pt.6 Ch.2 Sec.5 Pt.4 Ch.4 Sec.2

Application range Over 1 kV, and 15 kV or less Over 1 kV, and 15 kV or less

Recommended
Not specified Not specified
voltage

Other special
instruction

3.3 Type of Power Distribution System

A high voltage power distribution system, in the same way as a low voltage power distribution
system, can be basically divided into a tree-like distribution system and a ring net power
distribution system. A partial high voltage system is applied as a special case.
The tree-like distribution system is generally applied to ships while the ring net power distribution
system is often applied to cruise ships or naval vessels which require higher reliability.

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3.3.1 Tree-like distribution system
As shown in Figure 2, the distribution lines of this system branches from the bus bar like a tree. The
characteristic of this system is as shown below.
1) A small quantity of protective devices and a simple protection system can be provided.
2) There is a possibility of blackout at bus bar fault.
3) The facility is low in cost.

G G

CB Bus tie breaker CB Abbreviation of the symbols on the figure

G G Generator

CB CB CB CB CB CB CB High voltage
circuit breaker
Step-down
Tr
High voltage Tr Tr High voltage transformer
consumer consumer
ACB Low voltage air
ACB ACB circuit breaker

MCCB Molded case

ACB circuit breaker

MCCB MCCB

Low voltage Low voltage

consumer consumer

Figure 2: Tree-like distribution system

According to SOLAS, “the main bus bar is to be divided at least into two bus bars, and these are to
be connected by a circuit breaker or other approved method. As far as it is practicable, the
generator and vital equipment with redundancy are to be arranged equally in each bus bar”.
The power distribution system is as shown in Figure 2.
1) Vital equipment of which several units are provided should be equally arranged in each
individual part.
2) Several step-down transformers should be provided in order to supply power to the low voltage
consumers and each of them should be given enough capacity to supply the power to the low
voltage load individually.
3) A bus tie air circuit breaker should be provided for the low voltage bus bar.
This plan will contribute to the significant improvement of reliability. Normally in this power
distribution system, the bus tie circuit breaker at the high voltage side is always closed and the
bus tie circuit breaker at the low voltage side is always open.

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3.3.2 Ring net power distribution system
As shown in Figure 3, this is the method which arranges the bus bar in a circle and which supplies
power to the load in each independent segment. It has been applied to cruise ships and naval
vessels which especially require reliability of power supply.
The characteristic of this system is as shown below;
1) Higher reliability in comparison to that of the tree-like distribution system
2) A large quantity of protective devices with a complicated protection and control system
3) High cost facility.
By applying this system, the balanced consumer in each independent segment and the power flow
control will improve reliability. This is achieved by reducing voltage fluctuation and power loss or by
controlling power oscillation at the time of a bus bar incident.

G G G G
High voltage
bus bar
CB CB CB CB
CB CB CB CB

CB CB CB CB CB CB

High voltage Tr High voltage Tr

consumer consumer

ACB ACB ACB

ACB ACB ACB

MCCB or ACB MCCB or ACB

Low voltage consume

Low voltage consumer

ACB MCCB or ACB ACB

ACB ACB ACB

ACB

High voltage consumer High voltage consumer

Tr Tr

CB CB CB CB CB CB

CB CB

CB CB
CB CB CB CB

G G G G

Figure 3: Ring net power distribution system

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3.3.3 Partial high voltage system
As shown in Figure 4, high voltage equipment is provided for the specific consumer on the line in
which a low voltage system is adapted to the main power distribution system.
High voltage is partially applied only to these consumer circuits.

ACB ACB
High voltage supplying line
G M
Step-up transformer
Low voltage bus bar
450 V

Figure 4: Partial high voltage system

This system is applied when the specific consumer with a large capacity is a long distance from the
main switchgear, and when a great advantage is expected in the cost and space reduction of
wiring. This system is commonly used for the bow thruster of a commercial vessel.
If the capacity of the step-up transformer and the motor is large compared with that of the
generator, due consideration should be given to the following points.
1) The exciting inrush current of the step-up transformer shall not cause an activation of the
trip of the ACB and the voltage drop of the bus bar is within allowance level.
Where necessary, the inrush current shall be suppressed by the reactor.
2) The reduced-voltage start of the motor shall be performed, using the tap changing of the
step-up transformer which leads to cost reduction. Countermeasures should be taken for the
inrush current caused by the tap changing.

3.4 Type of Earthing System

The earthing system is determined considering suppression of the abnormal voltage, reduction of
damage to the incident point and other facilities and proper function of arc-extinguishing and the
earth fault relay at the earth fault. The earthing system can be classified broadly into the neutral
insulation system and the neutral earthing system. The neutral earthing system can be divided into
the direct earthing system and the resistance earthing system depending on the earthing method.
The outline of the earthing system is stated below.

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3.4.1 Neutral insulation system
In this system, the neutral point is not earthed intentionally except when the system is being
earthed with high impedance for an indication meter or for earth fault detection.
The characteristic of this system is shown below.
1) Only the charging current by the capacitance to earth (or to vessel body) flows as the earth
fault current due to the single line-to-earth fault, therefore the continuity of the power supply
will be maintained.
2) It is difficult to identify the earthing line due to an extremely small earth fault current.
3) The single line-to-earth fault increases the voltage to earth of the healthy phases, causing an
intermittent arc and a harmonic oscillating current due to the static capacity of the cable or
equipment depending on the system condition. To avoid this situation, the dielectric strength
of the equipment should be increased to a satisfactory extent.

3.4.2 Neutral earthing system

1) The neutral direct earthing system
In this system, the neutral of the generator is earthed directly by a metal wire.
The characteristic of this system is shown below.
a) This system can prevent the occurrence of earthing over-voltage at the single
line-to-earth fault as well as increase in voltage to earth of the healthy phases,
enabling the dielectric strength of the equipment to be reduced.
b) It is easy to detect the earthing circuit due to a large earth fault current at the single
line-to-earth fault.
c) Due to the large earth fault current, the earth fault circuit should be opened shortly at
the single line-to-earth fault. The continuity of power supply cannot be ensured.
d) In parallel operation of the generators, the excessive cyclic current may flow through
the earthed circuit by the third high harmonic distortion which is included in the
generated voltage of the generator. The generator should be designed with due
considerations to the excessive ring net current.
2) The neutral resistance earthing system
In this system, the neutral point is earthed through the resistance in order to restrict the earth
fault current at the single line-to-earth fault.
This system is classified into the high resistance earthing system and the low resistance
earthing system depending on the resistance value of the earthing resistor. The high
resistance earthing system can suppress the transitional over-voltage at the single
line-to-earth fault which is a negative point of the insulation system with the continuity of power
supply ensured. The low resistance earthing system can suppress the earth current more than
the high resistance earthing system while the operation of the earth detecting relay is not
restricted so much.
The continuity of power supply cannot be ensured in the low resistance earthing system.
Table 4 explains and compares each earthing system.
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Table 4: Explanation and comparison of each earthing system

NEUTRAL EARTHING
Name of the system NEUTRAL INSULATION HIGH RESISTANCE EARTHING
NEUTRAL DIRECT EARTHING NEUTRAL RESISTANCE EARTHING

GVT…Grounding Voltage Transformer ET…Earthing Transformer

CB CB CB CB CB CB CB
CB
CB CB
GVT
Basic circuit
51G/67G 51G/67G ET
GS G G
GS
S S

GS 51G 51G
GS
FEEDER 59G 51G 51G R R
FEEDER
& MOTOR R
& MOTOR

・The earthing over-voltage at the secondary side of the GVT is detected by the earth ・The earthing transformer is provided for each bus bar, detecting the
detection. current limited by the resistance at the secondary side of the earthing
・A common alarm of each main bus bar is issued at the time of the earth fault. transformer. (The relay is provided for each circuit.)
Circuit explanation ・The ground relay does not operate correctly due to a small earth fault current at the ・The selective trip coordination is possible, however, the earth current
single line-to-earth fault, making the selective trip coordination difficult. should be considered to avoid a activation of the relay caused by the
electrostatic current to ground in each circuit. * The directional earth fault
relay can prevent the false operation of the relay.
The neutral point of the generator is
directly earthed to detect the earth fault
current.
・The neutral point of the generator is earthed
through the resistance, detecting the earth
current flown to the resistance.
・This system is divided into the neutral high
resistance earthing system and the neutral low
resistance earthing system depending on the
resistance of the earthing resistor.

・The smallest earth current flows. The resistance provided for the secondary side of the earthing transformer The largest earth current flows The resistance of the resistor provided for the
Earth current ・Only the electrostatic current and the active current which is limited by interval allows the earth current to be set arbitrarily. because the neutral point of the neutral point allows the active earth fault
resistance inside of the relay at the secondary side of the GVT flows. generator is directly earthed. current to be set arbitrarily. Mostly, the current
is suppressed to 30 A at maximum.

・The continuity of the power supplying is maintained because only the electrostatic ・It does not require the neutral point in the generator. ･The abnormal voltage is avoided at ･The selective coordination is ensured at the
current and the active current which is limited by interval resistance inside of the relay at ・Only 1 set of the earthing transformer needs to be provided for each bus the time of the single line-to-earth fault time of the earth fault, however, the large earth
the secondary side of the GVT flows at the time of the single line-to-earth fault. bar even in case of several generators. and the dielectric strength of the current flows.
・A small earth fault current makes the detection of the earthed circuit difficult. ・The small and low voltage type of the resistor can be used. equipment can be reduced. ・The abnormal voltage can be suppressed at
・At the time of the single line-to-earth fault, the voltage to earth of other healthy phases ・The abnormal voltage can be controlled to some extent at the time of the ・A large earth fault current makes the the time of the single line-to-earth fault with the
increases. The dielectric strength of the equipment should be increased to a satisfactory single line-to-earth fault with the continuity of the power supplying identification of the earthed circuit continuity of the power supplying maintained.
extent. maintained. easy.
Characteristics ･The continuity of the power supplying
・A leased earthing transformer is required.
・The selective coordination is ensured at the time of the earth fault. is not maintained due to a large earth
fault current.
・ In the parallel running of the
generators, the excessive circulating
current may flow through the earthed
circuit, which must be considered in
the design of the generator.

Insulation coordination Theoretically, 7.5 times of the rated voltage is applied to this rate, however, if the The over-voltage is suppressed more than the neutral insulation while the The insulation coordination is The insulation coordination is suppressed to
by over-voltage capacitance and the internal impedance of the earthing over-voltage relay are higher cost is required than other earthing systems. suppressed to √3 times of the rated √3 times of the rated voltage.
considered, it will be about 5 times of the rated voltage at maximum. voltage.
・This system is normally applied to container vessels, for which a large amount of the This system is often applied to LNG vessels, for which the earthed circuit This system is rarely applied to the This system is rarely applied to commercial
Remarks power supply is not required. must be tripped shortly for protection of the vital auxiliaries as well as the commercial vessels and sometimes vessels and sometimes applied to offshore.
・In some cases, this system is applied to LNG vessels since it has a weak earth fault continuity of the power supplying to the healthy circuit should be applied to the offshore.
current. maintained.

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3.5 Earth Fault Detecting System
An earth fault should be detected immediately with an alarm, opening the earthed circuit where
necessary.
Generally, the neutral insulation system places an emphasis on the continuity of the power supply
and only gives an alarm. On the other hand, the neutral earthing system opens the earthed circuit
immediately for protection of the equipment as well as prevention of a secondary disaster such as
fire in consideration of a strong earth fault current. The detection method of the earth fault is
closely related to the earthing system.

3.5.1 Earth detection by neutral insulation system

The earth fault is monitored in each bus bar section and an abnormal alarm is given when the
earth fault is detected. Figure 5 shows how the earth fault over-voltage relay detects zero phase
voltage which occurs at the earth fault.

Bus bar

Earth fault and

over-voltage detection
circuit (OVG)
Earthing
transformer

Figure 5: Earth fault and over-voltage detecting circuit

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3.5.2 Earth detection by neutral earthing system
Figure 6 shows how the earthed circuit is identified and opens the circuit.
The high resistance earthing system detects the earth fault current by a zero-phase-sequence
current transformer since small current flows at the earth fault. The phase difference of the current
flowing between the earthed circuit and healthy circuit is at a phase difference angle of about 180
degrees. Therefore, the phase angle is estimated based on the zero phase voltage Vo by a
directional earth-fault relay, enabling the earthed circuit to be detected.
Bus bar

Circuit
breaker
CB1
CB2
Earth directional
relay
Zero-phase-
sequence
current DG1 DG2 DR
ZCT2
transformer V
ZCT1

OVG
Consumer 1 Consumer 2

Figure 6: Earth fault detection circuit of distribution line

The neutral direct earthing system and the neutral resistance earthing system, both of which are
included in the neutral earthing system, detect the earth fault current by an earth fault over-current
relay since a large earth fault current flows at the earth fault. Figure 7 shows the detection of the
earth fault current. This circuit should be provided with the current transformer in each phase. In
addition, a relay should be selected so that required detectivity can be obtained according to the
ratio of the current transformer decided by the full-load current.
Bus bar

Instrument protective relay

Meter Relay Earth fault over-current relay

Meter Relay OCG

Current Meter Relay

transformer
CT

Consumer
Figure 7: Earth fault over-current detection circuit

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3.6 Consideration for Earthing System
3.6.1 Reasons for necessity of examining earthing system
For a high voltage power distribution system, examination of the earthing system is important for
the following reasons.
1) Suppression of the earthing over-voltage
2) Proper operation of the protective relay
3) Reduction of obstruction to the communication line

The suppression of the earthing over-voltage is the most important technological examination item
from the above.
Normally, the neutral insulation system is applied to the low voltage power distribution system. The
specification and the regulation require the insulation resistance test for low voltage equipment in
use under the neutral insulated condition. This enables a low voltage power distribution system to
have the abnormal voltage endurance at a single line-to-earth fault.

3.6.2 Earthing over-voltage at single line-to-earth fault

Theoretically, the earthing over-voltage at a single line-to-earth fault reaches 7.5 times of phase
voltage. In case of a low voltage power distribution system, the earthing over-voltage at a single
line-to-earth fault is calculated as below.
Vp = 440/√3 x 7.5 = 1,905 V
The withstand voltage of low voltage equipment is 2,000 V / minute, which is capable of
withstanding the earthing over-voltage caused by a single line-to-earth fault. On the contrary, the
withstand voltage of high voltage equipment cannot be subjected to 7.5 times of phase voltage
theoretically.
The IEC standards require 20 kV / minutes for the withstand voltage of the 6.6 kV equipment.
However, the earthing over-voltage at a single line-to-earth fault is calculated as Vp = 6600/√3 x
7.5 = 28.57 kV, which exceeds the withstand voltage of the 6.6kV equipment.
Therefore, the neutral insulation system needs to be applied with special care.

3.7 Earthing System and Withstand Voltage of Equipment

The rules of each classification society categorize the insulation resistance test to apply to the
systems, to the electric motors, to the transformers, and to the cables.
At the time of the single line-to-earth fault, the neutral insulation system will have the maximum
transient over-voltage occurring in the healthy phase. The high resistance earthing system will
have the second highest over-voltage. Almost no transient over-voltage will effect the neutral
resistance earthing system or neutral direct earthing system.
Table 5 shows the class society requirements for the withstand voltage of each equipment.

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Table 5: Dielectric strength test
NK (2007) LR (July 2005)

Voltage applied in
the one-minute Maximum voltage Voltage applied in the one-minute
Dielectric strength Maximum voltage (r.m.s.) insulation resistance (r.m.s.) insulation resistance test with
test kV test with commercial commercial frequency (r.m.s.)
frequency (r.m.s.) kV kV
kV

Volume H, Chapter 2 2.17.6-2 Pt.6 Ch.2 Sec. 20.1.2 Table 2. 20.1

Two times of the
Over 0.5, and 1 or less rated voltage plus 1-2.5 6.5
one
System Over 1, and 3.6 or less 10 2.5-3.5 10
Over 3.6, and 7.2 or less 20 3.5-7.2 20
Over 7.2, and 12 or less 28 7.2-12 28
Over 12 38 12-15 38
Volume H, Chapter 2 2.17.6-3
Over 0.5, and 1 or less 3
Over 1.1, and 3.6 or less 10
Transformer Same as the system above
Over 3.6, and 7.2 or less 20
Over 7.2, and 12 or less 28
Over 12 38
Volume H, Chapter 2, 2.5, Table H2.5
Volume H, Chapter 2, 2. 17. 6 -4 Pt.6 Ch.2 Sec. 20. 1. 2 Pt.6 Ch.2 Sec. 8. 8. 4

1. Two times of the rated voltage plus 1,000 V.

1. Two times of the rated voltage plus 1,000 V.
Electric motor 2. After putting the coil for the high voltage
electric motor into the stator, add the √6 times of
the impulse from the test voltage (peak value) at
the rated voltage for at least five times
Volume H, Chapter 2, 2. 17. 6 -5, -6
Over 0.5, and 1 or less 3.5
Over 1, and 3.6 or less 6.5
Over 3.6, and 7.2 or less 11
Over 7.2, and 12 or less 15
Over 12 22
Cable After the high voltage cables are laid inboard, the
test applying the 168% of the DC voltage for the
test voltage which is defined above should be
carried out for 15 minutes to the high voltage
cables, and should be checked for abnormalities.
In addition, the alternative method such as the
test by the AC voltage may be approved if it is
following the test method (1) and (2)
(1) Apply the supply voltage between the
conductor and the shield for 5 minutes.
(2) Apply the supply voltage for 24 hours.
2. Inter-turn
This test should be carried out after putting the coil into
the stator core and then the coil should be tightened
and wedged.
The peak value of the test voltage should be twice as
the rated line voltage.
Steel vessel rule Volume H (2007) Part 6, Chapter 2
(July 2005)
Pt.6 Ch.2 Sec. 20. 3
1. The same as the system stated above.
2. When the DC voltage is applied, the voltage is to be
at least the following rate or more.
(a) When the rated voltage UO is 3.6 kV or less, the
rate will be 1.6 (2.5 UO + 2 kV).
(b) When the rated voltage UO is more than the above
rate, the rated voltage will be 4.2 UO. The 4.2 UO is
the voltage of the rated commercial frequency between
the conductive part and the ground or between the
metal screens. The test voltage is maintained for 15
minutes.

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3.8 Examples of Achievement of High Voltage System
An example of the achievement of high voltage system is shown in Table 6.
Different systems are applied according to vessel type, such as a high voltage power distribution
system applied to LNG vessels and container vessels, and an extensive high voltage power
distribution system to cruise ships, deep-sea drilling vessels and the FPSO. The partial high
voltage system is applied to commercial vessels to supply the power to the high-capacity bow
thruster. Table 6 takes up only one example of the partial high voltage system for commercial
vessels from many other achievements. The capacities of the motors for which the partial high
voltage system is adopted cannot be specified. The adoption of the partial high voltage system will
be determined by comparing the cost reduction in wiring and the advantage from the smaller
wiring space with the increased cost for high voltage equipment. Generally, about 1000 kW is an
indication of the application of the partial high voltage system.
3.3 kV of the system voltage was applied to a high voltage power distribution system while 6.6 kV
was applied extensively to high voltage power distribution systems in the past.
Currently, the capacity of the inboard generator has become much greater than before, therefore
6.6 kV is applied to commercial vessels such as container vessels and LNG vessels instead of 3.3
kV which does not meet the breaking capacity. 11 kV is mainly applied extensively to high voltage
power distribution systems.
The tree-like distribution system is the mainstream of the power distribution system while cruise
ships adopt the ring net power distribution system.
The resistance earthing system by the earthing transformer is the mainstream of the earthing
system. This system allows only the current for operation of the earthing protection relay to flow
and the abnormal voltage to be suppressed with the advantage of cost reduction.
The earth fault protection for container vessels only activates the alarm giving priority on the
continuity of power supply, for LNG vessels which carry dangerous goods on the other hand; the
circuit is opened by the earthing protection relay.

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Table 6: Example of achievement of high voltage power distribution system

Deep-sea drilling
Cruise ship Container vessel LNG vessel FPSO Commercial vessel
vessel

Extensive high voltage Extensive high voltage Extensive high voltage

High voltage power High voltage power Partial high voltage
High voltage system power distribution power distribution power distribution
distribution system distribution system system
system system system

Power distribution Ring net power Tree-like distribution Tree-like distribution Ring net power Tree-like distribution Tree-like distribution
system distribution system system system distribution system system system

System voltage AC11kV - 3φ - 60Hz AC6.6kV - 3φ - 60Hz AC6.6kV - 3φ - 60Hz AC6.6kV - 3φ - 60Hz AC11kV - 3φ - 60Hz AC3.3kV - 3φ - 60Hz

Electric propulsion
Bow thruster
system Cargo pump Thruster
Main load Refrigerated container Under investigation Bow thruster
Thruster Air Relique faction plant Drilling device
facility
conditioning equipment
Short circuit breaking
30 kA 15 kA 17 kA 36.5 kA 19 kA
capacity
3200 kW x 4
GTG: 2500 kW x 1
Total capacity of the 1500 kW x 1 5000 kW x 3 pcs
DG: 8150 kW x 2 3360 kW x 5 pcs 6300 kW x 5
generator Shore power 2500 kW x 1 pc
DG: 9150 kW x 2
supplying
Generator neutral point High resistance High resistance High resistance High resistance
Neutral insulation
Earthing system High resistance earthing system by the earthing system by the earthing system by the earthing system by the
system
earthing system earthing transformer earthing transformer earthing transformer earthing transformer
The earth fault The earth fault The earth fault
Earth fault protective
protective relay is protective relay is protective relay is
Earth fault protection Alarm relay is provided Alarm
provided. provided. provided.
(Trip)
(Trip) (Trip) (Trip)
This system is applied to
the motors with over
Remarks 1000 kW depending on
the length of the cables.
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4. Additional Information
(Surge voltage, short circuit, arc discharge and earth fault)

4.1 Surge Voltage

A variety of the impulse voltage may occur on the electric power system due to unspecified
causes.

Current chopping surge at small current breaking and multiple recurrent arc surge at larger current
breaking is generated when opening and closing VCB.

Current chopping surge

When the VCB breaks a small current, current is forced to be cut before 0 points of the alternative
current approaches. This phenomenon is called “current chopping”.

Over-voltage is caused in line with a drastic current change, called surge voltage. The surge
voltage is transmitted from the VCB to the loading apparatus through the cable and the surge
voltage is applied on the loading apparatus.

Current Ic Chopped current rate

Voltage

Vr Surge voltage

Multiple recurrent arc surge

The multiple recurrent arc surge occurs in a comparatively large tripping current (10 ~ 100 A),
especially occurs when the starting current of motors etc. is cut. This phenomenon can be seen if
the conditions are met. If the contact opens just before the 0 points of current, the current can be
temporarily cut. However, the recurrent arc occurs due to low withstand voltage between contacts,
causing a high frequency current. The voltage increases by repeating the recurrent arc and the
high frequency arc extinguishing.

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4.2 Short Circuit
On the electric power system, a large current, well over the rated value, flows in the cable way due
to short circuit caused by the deterioration or breakage of the cover of the distribution line, or
damage of the electric power equipment such as the transformer.

A short circuit is defined as situation {a} or {a’}

shown in the figure, that is when contact is made Distance between the lines

between the lines with low resistance.

If the short circuit occurs between the lines,
Distance between the lines
the impedance such as resistance and
Distance between the lines
the reactance between the lines decreases,
causing a large current.
This current depends on the size of the back
power from the short circuit point, however
normally the rate reaches several thousands
to several tens of thousands amperes.
When the large current as mentioned above flows to the electric system, the electric wires
meltdown because of the Joule heat, or that may cause the deterioration or burning of the
insulating coating. Moreover, a burnout of the generator or the transformer, and the breakage of
the circuit breaker may cause a major disaster of the facility. There is a possibility that a fatal
accident, burn injury or an electric shock may be caused by a large arc occurring at the same time
as a short circuit.

4.3 Arc Discharge

The arc discharge is a state in which an electron or an ion moves in a condition of high
temperature gas in an electric field when a short circuit occurs. The arc discharge is the highest in
current density of all discharges; therefore, it is described as the final form of discharge.
This energy is released in the form of heat, light, and sound. The arc heat will reach to several
thousands to several tens of thousands degrees centigrade at the center, and reach several
hundred to several thousand degrees centigrade at the circumference.
If the arc occurs in an airtight container such as the power distribution board, the air is heated by
the arc energy and it becomes a high temperature gas, and the pressure will increase because of
its expansion.

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4.4 Earth Fault
The earth fault is the situation shown as {b}
in the figure. Electrically, it refers to the
insulation between the cable way and the
earth becoming extremely low.
When the earth fault occurs, in some cases,
a dangerous impulse voltage occurs outside
of the cable way or the equipment, or dangerous
current flows which is called “earth fault”.
When the earth fault occurs, a large earth fault current may flow on the transmission and
distribution cable way depending on the capacitance of the cable way to earth and the types of the
earthing system. That may cause an intermittent arcing earth fault or occurrence of abnormal
voltage which may lead to a huge accident.

5. Trailer

Recently, high voltage power distribution systems have been applied to commercial vessels such
as container vessels and LNG vessels, and the number of vessels with high voltage power
distribution systems will increase in the future.
In this article, the elementary items of a high voltage power distribution system are organized. We
hope this will be of help to you in understanding a high voltage power distribution system.

Copying the whole or any part of this text is prohibited.

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