Petromin marine and offshore Jan-Feb Issue

Propulsion Systems
Powering the Seas
“ Compared to direct
diesel drives, diesel
electric propulsion
systems are technically
and operationally
superior in virtually
all applications. This
superiority has been
a major reason for
the steadily growing
demand for dieselelectric
main drives in
marine engineering
applications.
”
Diesel-electric transmission, or dieselelectric
powertrain is used by a number
of vehicle and ship types for providing
locomotion.
A diesel-electric transmission system includes
a diesel engine connected to an
electrical generator, creating electricity
that powers electric traction motors.
No clutch is required. Before diesel
engines came into widespread use, a
similar system, using a petrol (gasoline)
engine and called petrol-electric
or gas-electric, was sometimes used.
Electrical propulsion system offers numerous
advantages for ships that are
subject to specific requirements. They
are rated as particularly economical,
environmentally friendly and reliable,
offer considerable comfort in terms of
operation and control, have optimal
maneuvering and positioning properties,
low vibration and noise levels,
and additionally enable the best possible
utilization of space owing to their
reduced noise levels.
Some modern diesel-electric ships,
including cruise ships and icebreakers,
use electric motors in pods called
azimuth thrusters underneath to allow
for 360° rotation, making the ships far
more maneuverable. An example of
this is the Harmony of the Seas, the
largest passenger ship as of 2016.
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January to February 2018