Introducing ULSTEIN® POWER VSG: Setting new standards in marine power efficiency

The process started with an energy-efficient hull and thorough evaluations of systems and components. Once elements like main dimensions, seakeeping properties, and uptime were in place, Ulstein Design & Solutions AS analysed how the ship could become as energy efficient as possible, considering various system and propulsion solutions to achieve the best energy use and recovery results.

Developed by Ulstein Power & Control, the ULSTEIN POWER VSG redefines the standards of efficiency, sustainability, and performance in marine AC power systems. It substantially improves fuel consumption, emission reduction, overall system performance, and lower maintenance costs. The AC system is based on known robust technical solutions, giving the shipowners a reliable solution.

The Olympic Boreas achievement represents close to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption compared to other CSOVs. 

This highlights how the ULSTEIN POWER VSG, the technical measures, and the overall ship design can effectively enhance fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs, setting a new standard in the maritime industry.

Can be implemented in a wide range of vessels

The ULSTEIN POWER VSG's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of marine vessels, including offshore, expedition cruise, and aquaculture vessels. Key components of the system include a powertrain, energy storage solutions, and a state-of-the-art power and energy management system.

Meets and exceeds modern maritime operations' demands 

The ULSTEIN POWER VSG represents a groundbreaking advancement in marine power solutions. Ulstein has delivered a solution that meets and exceeds maritime operations' demands by combining variable speed generation with cutting-edge automation and energy management applications. As the industry prioritises 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 optimize power generation on marine vessels. It includes an advanced load-sharing strategy between fixed-speed 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 significantly improves fuel consumption, emission reduction, and overall system performance.

Key Components

The ULSTEIN POWER VSG system comprises several critical components:

• Powertrain: The core of the system,  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.

The ULSTEIN POWER VSG offers a multitude of benefits that set it apart from conventional power systems:

1. Enhanced fuel efficiency: By adjusting the generator’s speed to match the exact power demand, the ULSTEIN POWER VSG minimizes fuel consumption, resulting in significant savings in fuel costs.
2. Reduced emissions: Optimizing fuel usage directly translates to lower emissions, helping vessels comply with stringent environmental regulations.
3. Improved system reliability: Integration with a battery energy storage system ensures a dynamic and stable power supply, even during peak demand or generator fluctuations.
4. Lower maintenance costs: Variable speed operation 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 potentially increase the time between services by 50-70%.
5. 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.

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 ships.
• Expedition Cruise vessels: Ensures a smooth and efficient power supply, enhancing passenger comfort and operational reliability.
• Aquaculture vessels: Highly variable power demands depending on the type of operation will have great benefit from the ULSTEIN POWER VSG, ensuring a significantly reduced environmental footprint.