Application of the Xinshida AS710M Inverter in a 56,000-ton Ocean-Going Bulk Carrier in the Marine Electrical Industry
2025-06-04
Application of the Xinshida AS710M Inverter in a 56,000-ton Ocean-Going Bulk Carrier in the Marine Electrical Industry
Project Background
Amid the global shipping industry’s vigorous shift toward greener and more efficient operations, traditional ship propulsion systems are facing a dual challenge—balancing efficiency with environmental sustainability. The urgent need to find entirely new propulsion solutions has become apparent. At this critical juncture, the Xindashan shaft-drive frequency converter has emerged—a successful exploration and innovative attempt in the field of marine propulsion. We hope it will act like a stone dropped into a calm lake, creating ripples that spread outward, bringing fresh and transformative ideas to the world of ship propulsion.
Customer needs
Improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions
Xinshida Solution
Proposal Description
Currently, there are two mainstream technologies for shaft-driven power generation: gear-box-based speed-increasing shaft-driven power generation technology and direct-drive shaft-driven power generation technology.
Currently, the shaft-driven power generation technology used by Xindashida is direct-drive shaft-driven power generation technology. Compared to gear-box-based shaft-driven power generation technology, this approach simplifies the transmission structure by eliminating the gearbox, reducing the number of mechanical transmission components, lowering the risk of mechanical failures, and decreasing the need for routine mechanical maintenance and servicing.
Shaft-driven generator
Schematic Diagram of Direct-Drive Shaft-Driven Power Generation Technology System
Scheme advantages
1. Vector control without an encoder
By eliminating the speed sensor, we can reduce hardware costs and minimize installation, maintenance efforts, as well as potential failure points. In harsh environments with space constraints, vibration, dust, and humidity, encoderless technology demonstrates higher reliability and applicability. Moreover, it maintains stable performance under various speed conditions, meeting the diverse application requirements for high-performance motor control.
A certain project features an encoderless startup for a permanent-magnet shaft-driven generator.
2. PWM Full-Control Rectification Technology
Compared to traditional rectifiers, which cannot be adjusted, PWM fully-controlled rectifiers offer flexible adjustment of the output DC voltage. They can provide stable DC power within a speed range of 70% to 1.5 times the rated speed of the main motor, ensuring stable and high-quality three-phase AC voltage at the inverter side.
Schematic Diagram of Direct-Drive Shaft-Driven Power Generation Technology System
3. Online Hot-Plugging and Vehicle Synchronization Technology
The optimized grid-connected control loop ensures an almost zero-ampere inrush current during manual closing operations. It enables rapid integration of the shaft-driven generator into the power grid, ensuring a continuous power supply and preventing any disruption to ship operations and safety.
Schematic Diagram of Direct-Drive Shaft-Driven Power Generation Technology System
4. Virtual Synchronous Generator Control Technology
It features excellent dynamic response and stability, enabling it to work in coordination with other generators to jointly shoulder the load of the ship’s power system. This allows for long-term networked operation of shaft-mounted frequency converters and diesel generators, reducing the operational stress on the shaft generator and extending its service life.
5. Independent Load Carrying Technology
By leveraging the host’s redundant power, we can improve the vessel’s fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. This also helps lower maintenance costs for auxiliary diesel generator sets, decrease their operating hours, and extend their service life. Furthermore, it reduces noise and vibration within the engine room, enhancing the working and living environment for crew members and minimizing equipment failures caused by vibration.
Associated products
AS710M Marine Engineering Dedicated Variable Frequency Drive
Project Results
The Xindashida AS710M engineering-grade frequency converter, specially designed for offshore applications, has been successfully deployed on a 56,000-ton远洋 bulk carrier.
At 1.15 times the rated speed of the main engine, the shaft-driven generator system is operating independently under a load of 326 kW.
Testing has shown that when the prime mover speed suddenly drops to its rated speed and the load is continuously increased to 512 kW, the shaft-generator system remains in a stable operating state.
Based on the fuel savings data provided by the shipowner after installing the shaft-driven generator, and assuming an annual sailing duration of approximately 260 days:
Looking ahead, Xindada will continue to deepen its expertise in marine propulsion technology, adhering to the principles of innovation and sustainable development. We will keep optimizing the performance of shaft-driven frequency converters and expanding their application scenarios. We look forward to collaborating closely with partners across the global shipping industry to jointly explore more green and efficient marine propulsion solutions, thereby contributing even more to the global shipping industry’s green transformation.
