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A Practical Power Solution draws require larger battery banks and more inverter and charger equipment. Yet another method of solving the shore power conundrum is simply having equipment that has the ability to run on different voltages and frequencies. This can work with items such as some laptop computers and small electronics supplied with a small transformer. Other equipment and appliances can be trickier. Equipment with motors may or may not be able to work on either 50Hz or 60Hz, but if they can, they still have the possibility of running slower and less efficiently. Making sure the non-compliant equipment is unplugged or disconnected can be difficult, and if equipment is accidentally turned on, the result could be damaging and dangerous. If this option were seriously considered, a transformer would be required (and would be useful equipment to have aboard for many reasons… more on that in another article). This would change the incoming voltage to the required shipboard voltage but would not convert the frequency. Shore power converters can be the best overall solution to power supply and conversion issues for many mid-to larger-sized vessels. There was a time when they were only practical for much larger yachts and ships because of their physical size and cost. However, as technology has improved, the footprint of these converters has shrunk, as has the cost of purchasing one. 74 YACHT ESSENTIALS ShorPower frequency converters Shore power converters can be the best overall solution to power supply and conversion issues. Put simply, the shore power from the dock or utility enters the converter, where it passes through a specialized inverter. It’s at this point that the AC current is converted to a DC current where it, in turn, gets converted back to the required AC voltage and frequency. The result is clean, efficient, surge-free voltage that can supply electricity to all onboard equipment while providing isolation from shore power issues and galvanic corrosion protection. Shore power converters have the ability to handle voltages starting at around 170V all the way to almost 500V. They can receive and convert frequencies from as low as 40Hz to 60Hz with the output factory pre-set at a selected frequency, and they can handle one to three phases of input (depending on model). Smaller models tend to be in the 8kVA range, with larger models going all the way up to and beyond 500kVA, with everything in between. There’s the option of air- or water-cooled converters, water-cooled being the optimum system in applications where ambient air temperatures would be high, or air supply limited. Recent technology has improved not just the size and cost of these converters but also has improved their intelligence and efficiency. Some have a power failure feature that can seamlessly switch over to alternate power sources when shore power is lost and then switch back when power is restored. There are safety features built in that will not allow them to power up if there is an issue of incompatibility with
the available shore power. Modern converters are more capable of efficiently transferring incoming energy to a very stable and effective output that allows troublefree use of sensitive, high-end electronics such as entertainment equipment. They are also effective as an isolator providing protection for onboard components. Footprints are now much smaller, and weight is similar to that of just a comparable isolation transformer. Models are becoming modular, which allows for easier service and repair. Reliability and service life have also improved with technology. Disadvantages of using a shore power converter are few, but significant. Because their operating range starts at about 170V AC, they are not a practical solution if there is only 125V service. However, connecting them to two 30-amp outlets via a smarty connector such as the one manufactured by Marinco (must be on opposite/different legs) could resolve that problem. Despite costs coming down, they are still quite an investment and are not an economical option for smaller vessels. There are many variables in selecting the right power converter for a specific vessel, and a professional in the field should be consulted. Installation should also be done by a professional to avoid any number of dangerous electrical issues. Recent technology has improved not just the size and cost of these converters but also has improved their intelligence and efficiency. Shore power converters offer a very efficient answer to the challenging problem of varied shore power found worldwide. With advances in technology and efficiency in design, they are becoming a viable option for a greater variety of vessels. Trouble-free and reliable electricity aboard is now an accessible reality. Glenn Hayes is a second-generation photographer and journalist living in West Central Florida. His marine and boating industry background extends back over two decades. He can be reached at www.hayesstudios.com. ASEA Power Systems 150kVA power converters aboard M/Y Harle, a 46-meter Feadship. www.YachtEssentials.com 75
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