PTO Variable Speed Shaft Generator

The WE Tech PTO Variable Speed Shaft Generator (Solution One) lets a ship's propulsion machinery operate at variable speed – in combinator mode with variable speed and propeller pitch – while the shaft generator supplies the ship's electrical network. Propulsion machinery can run at optimal duty points at all vessel speeds, reducing fuel consumption, auxiliary generator running and emissions.

Technologies

• WE Drive® variable frequency drive (compact, modular design)
• Variable speed permanent magnet shaft generator – lightweight, compact, virtually maintenance-free; synchronous and asynchronous generator options also available
• Energy Management System (EMS) controlling operating modes and start/stop sequences and interfacing with other onboard control systems

Configurations

• 2-stroke (slow-speed): direct-drive permanent magnet shaft generator with the rotor mounted on the intermediate shaft; low mass and inertia keep the impact on torsional vibration calculations minimal; no additional bearings needed; compact feet-mounted stator positioned on the generator bed in the shaft line and connected via flanges. Allows 2-stroke main engine installations with fixed pitch propeller to have a shaft generator.
• 4-stroke (medium-speed): for reduction-gear-driven propulsion with PTO

Options

• Energy storage (lithium-ion ESS integrated via DC-DC converter)
• Shore power conditioned via WE Drive to match any grid voltage and frequency
• Fuel cell integration via DC/DC conversion
• Available for upgrade projects

References

WE Tech solutions have been applied on more than 300 vessels, including LPG and LNG carriers built at Hyundai Heavy Industries and asphalt/bitumen and chemical tankers.