(With extra pictures) The first Integrated L-drive has been delivered to Damen Shipyards’ Volt Processor (Utility Vessel 4312, Remoy Management AS) and has undergone sea trials.
The Integrated L-drive is said to be the world's most compact electric propulsion solution. Sea trials with the Volt Processor took place 24 April.
Volt Processor
The Volt Processor is a fish farm service vessel of 43.27 m that uses 750 kW electric power to undertake delousing operations and other services at Norwegian salmon farms.
The Volt Processor.
A diesel-electric configuration was chosen because it provides an efficient, flexible power supply for the 750 kW propulsion installation and for driving the deck equipment when moored within a farm. Electric propulsion has the advantage to be redundant and is also suitable for Dynamic Positioning.
The Volt Processor is the first model in a series of vessels using the Integrated L-drive.
Compact Propulsion Solution
Because there is limited space available on board the Volt Processor, Damen chose the Veth Integrated L-drive. Because the PM Motor is integrated in the slewing bearing, combined with the special mounting method, the alignment of the headsets and the adjustments to the control box, the Veth Integrated L-drive is extremely compact. The difference in height between a traditional L-drive and the Integrated L-drive is about 2 m.
Integrated L-drive machine room.
Water Cooled Permanent Magnet (PM) Motor
The hydrodynamic design and efficiency are other important advantages of the Veth Integrated L-drive. The water cooled Permanent Magnet (PM) Motor is more efficient and produces less noise than an air cooled asynchronous motor. In particular, the part load efficiency is higher. At 25% load, the improvement in efficiency with a PM Motor is 5.2%.
No Gear Transmission in the Ship
The Integrated L-drive generates less noise, because it does not have a gear transmission in the ship. The electrical steering further reduces noise production.
The available power range of the Integrated L-drive is 300 to 2350 kW.
Picture (top): The Veth Intgrated L-drive.
