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

30.1.2008 10:00:00

Vacon is main cooperation partner of STAF

The Finland-based AC drives manufacturer Vacon and Sail Training Association Finland (STAF) have signed a long-term cooperation agreement. Vacon will be STAF's main cooperation partner until the end of 2010. Vacon will e.g. participate in STAF's Sails for Environment project.

6.11.2007 12:00:00

Vacon receives type approvals for marine use from DNV and BV

The Finland-based AC drives manufacturer Vacon has received a type approval for marine use from the Norwegian certification body Det Norske Veritas (DNV). Earlier, Vacon received a type approval from the French certification body Bureau Veritas (BV). These approvals apply to Vacon's NXL, NXS and NXP ranges of AC drives.

13.9.2007 11:00:00

Vacon strengthens service operations in Europe

The AC drives manufacturer Vacon opens a new high-power service center in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, on September 13. Focussing on secured availability of high-power swap units and fast service, the new service center in Gorinchem will enhance Vacon's customer support in Europe. Among the invited guests at the grand opening will be customers, partners and Vacon Group management.