How Do The Power Generation And Supply Work On a Ship?

A ship is nothing less than a floating city that comes with the privileges and makes the staff and passengers enjoy just like normal city and land. Since a ship is loaded with a number of amenities to sustain life on a ship, the uninterrupted power supply is inevitable. In this content, how the power is generated and supplied has been explained. 

Power generation on board: Shipboard power is generated using prime mover and the alternator that work together. To supply alternate current on board, generators are used. The generators work when there is a variation in the magnetic field around the conductor. 

What does the generator consist of? The generator consists of a stationary set of conductors in coil and iron core. This is also known as the stator. With a rotating magnet that is called rotor that turns inside the stator to produce the magnetic field. There are a few points to note about the power on board- 

• The 3 phase AC power is preferred over DC, as it gives more power for the same size.
• 3 phase is much more preferred over the single power that draws more power in the event of power failure of one phase. So that the remaining phases can work when one phase is not working.

How does the power-distribution take place onboard? The power distribution must be done efficiently and load bank testing is crucial for a generator maintenance program. A shipboard distribution system offers a safe operation for the power supply. And, its necessary elements are- 

• Ship generator act as a prime mover and alternator
• The main switchboard is made of metal enclosure that takes power from the diesel generator to supply to different machinery.
• Bus Bars are used as a carrier that helps to transfer the load from one point to another. However, the circuit breaker is used to avoid the unsafe condition and can be tripped to combat the accidents.
• Transformers help to step up or step down the voltage. For example, the power is supplied to the lighting system, the step-down transformer is used for the distribution of power.
• The voltage at the power distribution system remains 440v
• In case of some large installations, the voltage should be as high as 6600v
• There can be an auxiliary machine, through which the power is supplied at high voltage.
• A miniature circuit breaker is used for smaller supply fuse.
• The neutral insulation or earthing is done using distribution system made of 3 wires. 

Emergency power: When there is a failure of the main power generation system on the ship, there presents an emergency power supply tested by the reactive or resistive load bank. Both the generator and batteries are used for backup. The rating of the emergency power supply should be made in such a way that can upkeep the following systems in a ship- 

• Steering gear system
• Watertight doors
• Emergency bilge
• Fire fighting system
• Alarm and emergency communication system
• Emergency and navigation lights

Load bank testing for generator power backup maintenance covers a number of aspects. It will help you to avoid emergency situations when access to the engine room is not possible.