PM shaft generator solution cuts fuel consumption for VLECs

Under construction at China’s CSSC Jiangnan shipyard for Chinese owner Pacific Gas (Hong Kong) Holdings Ltd, the two 99,000-m³ very large ethane carriers (VLECs) will each be equipped with a variable speed frequency drive and direct drive permanent magnet (PM) shaft generator supplied by Finnish energy efficiency solution provider WE Tech. WE Tech will deliver the equipment to the shipyard in 2021.

WE Tech Solutions sales manager Martin Andtfolk pointed out that the system was compact and well suited for this type of gas carrier. He claimed the energy efficiency of the variable speed frequency drive and the permanent magnet shaft generator technology “reaches unmatched levels in the marine industry.”

In power take out (PTO) mode, WE Drive enables propulsion machinery to operate in combinator/variable speed while the direct drive PM shaft generator produces electrical power for the vessel’s electrical network. Key benefits of the system are a reduction in operating hours for the auxiliary generators, lowering fuel consumption and maintenance.