How to reduce fuel and emissions
Optimise the power generation on your vessel with
ULSTEIN® POWER Variable Speed Generator (VSG)
Key Components
The ULSTEIN POWER VSG system comprises several critical components:
- Powertrain
The heart of the system, capable of adapting the generator’s rotational speed to provide optimized power output based on real-time demand.
- Energy storage solutions
Instant power for quick response, supporting dynamic power demand for challenging operations.
- Power and energy management system
An advanced control solution that monitors and controls the generator’s speed and energy storage, ensuring simple operation, superb performance and efficiency.
Boost efficiency with ULSTEIN POWER VSGs
The ULSTEIN POWER VSG represents a groundbreaking advancement in marine power technology. By combining variable speed generation with cutting-edge automation and energy management, Ulstein Power & Control has delivered a solution that not only meets but exceeds the demands of modern maritime operations. As the industry continues to prioritise sustainability and efficiency, the ULSTEIN POWER VSG stands out as a key enabler in navigating the future of green marine power solutions.
The ULSTEIN POWER VSG is a sophisticated Variable Speed Generator system designed to optimise power generation on marine vessels. It includes an advanced load sharing strategy between fixed and variable speed generators operating in parallel. Unlike traditional fixed-speed generators, which operate at a constant speed regardless of demand, the ULSTEIN POWER VSG dynamically adjusts its speed to match load requirements, delivering power to the grid within the sweet spot of energy efficiency. This results in significant improvements in fuel consumption, emission reduction, and overall system performance.
Benefits of the ULSTEIN POWER VSG
The ULSTEIN POWER VSG offers a multitude of benefits that set it apart from conventional power systems:
- Enhanced fuel efficiency:
- By adjusting the generator’s speed to match the exact power demand, the ULSTEIN POWER VSG minimises fuel consumption, resulting in significant savings in fuel costs.
- Reduced emissions:
- The optimisation of fuel usage directly translates to lower emissions, helping vessels comply with stringent environmental regulations.
- Improved system reliability:
- Integration with a battery energy storage system ensures a dynamic and stable power supply, even during peak demand or generator fluctuations.
- Lower maintenance costs:
- Variable speed improves combustion and reduces mechanical stress on the diesel engine and associated components, resulting in a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements. Operating at a variable speed can increase the time between services by 50-70%.
- The best of both worlds:
- Combining a robust low voltage AC solution with cutting-edge power conversion and energy storage systems, the ULSTEIN POWER VSG ensures unparalleled reliability and sets a new benchmark for efficiency in the maritime industry.
Customer feedback: Close to 50% reduction in fuel consumption
Contact us to learn more about how we could offer our partners considerable fuel savings, lower environmental impact, and reduced wear and tear on critical components.
Applications
The versatility of the ULSTEIN POWER VSG makes it suitable for a wide range of marine vessels, including:
Offshore vessels
- Provides reliable, dynamic and efficient power for DP operated vessels like SOVs, subsea, and support vessels.
Expedition cruise vessels
- Ensures a smooth and efficient power supply, enhancing passenger comfort and operational reliability.
Aquaculture vessels
- Highly variable power demands depending on type of operation will have great benefit of the ULSTEIN POWER VSG ensuring significantly reduced environmental footprint.
FAQs on the VSG
A Variable Speed Generator is a power generation system that adjusts its operating speed to match the power demand, optimising fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Traditional fixed-speed generators operate at a constant speed regardless of the power demand, while VSGs dynamically adjust their speed to match the load requirements, leading to better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
- Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Reduced fuel consumption by matching generator speed to power demand.
- Lower Emissions: Decreased greenhouse gas emissions due to optimised fuel usage.
- Improved Reliability: Stable power supply through integration with energy storage systems.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Less mechanical stress on components, extending their lifespan.
- Powertrain: Adjusts the generator’s speed for optimal power output.
- Energy Storage Solutions: Provides instant power for quick response to demand changes.
- Power and Energy Management System: Monitors and controls the generator’s speed and energy storage.
VSGs are suitable for various marine vessels, including offshore vessels, expedition cruise ships, and aquaculture vessels, where they enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
By optimising fuel consumption and reducing emissions, VSGs help vessels meet stringent environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprint.
Challenges may include the initial cost of installation and the need for advanced control systems to manage the variable speed operation effectively.
Yes, VSGs can be integrated with battery energy storage systems and other renewable energy sources to further enhance efficiency and reliability.
The Power and Energy Management System monitors real-time power demand and adjusts the generator’s speed accordingly, ensuring efficient operation and optimal energy use.
By reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs, VSGs can significantly lower the overall operational costs of a vessel over its lifetime.
Get in touch
Rolf Ottar Rovde
- Description
- Sales Manager
- Affiliation
- Ulstein Power & Control AS
Peter Pilskog
- Description
- Managing Director
- Affiliation
- Ulstein Power & Control AS