HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEMS ON SHIPS

Deni Kurnia One – ETO Penyetaraan 2019/2020

 Introduction

As we all know usually the ship operates with a 3

phase. 60Hz. 440 Volts supply which is being generated
and distributed on board. Every day the owners and
designers aim for bigger ships for more profitability. As
the ship size increases, there is a need to install more
powerful engines and other machinery. This increase in
size or machinery and other equipment demands more
electrical power and thus it is required to use higher
voltages on board a ship.
 What is High Voltage ?

In Marine Practice majority of merchant ships have a 3-

phase 3 wire, 440 V insulated neutral earth power
systems. This power system falls in the category Of Low
Voltage and meets the power demands of medium
capacity motors up to 200 kW.

Voltages up to & Including 1000V is known as Low

voltage system and Voltages 1001 and above is called
as High Voltage system in maritime practice for ships.
However voltages up to 11kV are called as medium
voltage in land based practices.
 Definition

The numerical definition of high voltage depends on

context. Two factors considered in classifying a voltage
as "high voltage" are the possibility of causing a spark
in air, and the danger of electric shock by contact or
proximity. The definitions may refer to the voltage
between two conductors of a system, or between any
conductor and ground.
IEC voltage range AC (Vrms) DC (V) Defining Risk
High Voltage >1000 >1500 Electrical Arcing
Low Voltage 50-1000 120-1500 Electrical Shock
Extra-Low Voltage <50 <120 Low Risk
 Differences Between HV & LV
Supply

1. High voltage systems are more extensive with complex

networks and connections,
2. Isolated equipment MUST BE earthed down
3. Access to high voltage areas should be strictly limited
and controlled
4. Isolation procedures are more involved
5. Switching strategies should be formulated and recorded
6. Specific high voltage test probes and instruments must
be used
7. Diagnostic insulation resistance testing is necessary
8. High voltage systems are usually earthed neutral and
use current limiting
9. Special high voltage circuit breakers have to be installed
 Why High Voltage in Ships?
(Advantages)

1. Higher power demand for heavy consumers on ships is

the first reason to choose high voltage on ships. High
power bow thruster electric motors, reefer containers
in container ships, cargo cooling machineries in gas
carriers, etc. are examples of such heavy power
consumers.
2. High voltage machineries have much reduced size and
weight compared to same power low voltage
counterpart.
3. Reduced weight and space for machinery means
increased space for cargo and more profit.
4. Using electric propulsion further reduces
engine room size, again more cargo space
and profit.
5. Ease of installation and reduced installation
cost.
6. Conductor size is reduced due to low
current flow in high voltage system, means
reduced copper requirement and low cost.
7. In high voltage system, copper loss or I²R
losses are much reduced when compared
to low voltage system, as the current flow is
less.
8. Overall estimated 1/3 reduction in cost
compared to low voltage system.
 Disadvantages of High Voltage
System on Ships

1. Handling high voltage means high class insulation to

be used on conductors. (Generally ‘F’ class and
above)
2. Higher voltages means greater risk and hence
require stringent safety procedures.
3. Skilled labour required for handling high voltage
system.
4. Danger of arcing, chances of arc flash and arc blast.
5. Special switch gears are required to preventing
arcing.
 High Voltage System Reduce
Weight and Size

Consider an electric motor consuming power of 500 kW

We have the power, P = √3 V I Cos ∅
In low voltage system, power, P = Similarly, In high voltage system,
500 x 1000 Watts, power factor, power, P = 500 x 1000 Watts, power
Cos ∅ = 0.8, Voltage, V = 440 factor, Cos ∅ = 0.8, Voltage, V = 3.3
P = √3 V I Cos ∅ kV
Current, I = P / (√3 V Cos ∅) P = √3 V I Cos ∅
I = 500000 / (√3 x 440 x 0.8 ) Current, I = P / (√3 V Cos ∅)
I = 820 Ampere I = 500000 / (√3 x 3.3 x 1000 x 0.8 )
I = 109 Ampere
So for an electric motor, working in high voltage system draw very low
current compared to that of low voltage system. As current carrying
capacity of conductor reduces, size of the conductor can also be reduced
much. This considerable reduction in conductor material result in reduced
size of machinery and save space for installation.
 High Voltage System Reduce
Cost

From the above comparison on current flow between a

high voltage system and low voltage system, it is clear
that current draw with high voltage is much lesser.
Hence copper loss or I²R losses and iron loss are
considerably lesser.
THANK YOU
 Questions

1. What is the advantage of using high voltage systems

on ships? (mention 1)
2. What is the disadvantage of using high voltage
systems on ships? (mention 1)
3. What is the differences between high voltage and
low voltage? (mention 1)
4. What is the minimum value for the voltage to be
called as a high voltage?
5. Why machinery working in high voltage system has
reduced weight, size and cost ?