
The marine genset is the core of the ship and is responsible for the important task of generating electricity for the entire ship and plays the role of the “heart”. The operating reliability of the marine generator plays an extremely important role in the normal operation of the system, the uninterrupted power supply of the ship, the quality of power and the safe operation of the entire ship.
Marine genset introduction
Marine gensets are power generation equipment designed for ships and similar environments. They can provide stable and reliable power supply for ships at sea. The following is a detailed introduction to marine generator sets:
What is a marine genset
Marine gensets are mainly composed of generators (usually diesel engines), controllers, and auxiliary systems (such as cooling systems, lubrication systems, etc.). According to their functions and uses, marine generator sets can be divided into many types, including common diesel marine gensets, ship shaft generator sets, marine emergency generator sets, gasoline marine generator sets, etc.
How marine genset works
The working principle of marine generators is based on the working principle of internal combustion engines. Take the diesel generator working principle as an example: when the diesel engine is started, its piston reciprocates in the cylinder, driving the crankshaft to rotate through the connecting rod.
The crankshaft is connected to the generator through a transmission device, driving the generator armature to rotate. Due to the residual magnetism of the generator’s pole core, the armature coil cuts the magnetic lines of force during rotation, generates current according to the principle of electromagnetic induction, and outputs it through the carbon brushes.
In this process, the rotor and stator of the generator interact with each other to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Application
Marine gensets are widely used on various types of ships, including passenger ships, cargo ships, fishing boats, warships, etc. They can be used as the main power source or backup power source to provide power support for the ship’s navigation, lighting, communication, navigation and other systems. At the same time, the best marine generator sets can also be used in offshore drilling platforms, offshore wind power generation and other fields as backup or auxiliary power sources.
Maintenance and care
In order to ensure the normal operation and extend the service life of the marine generator set, regular maintenance and servicing are required. This includes checking whether the various components of the generator set are intact, clean and fastened; checking whether the cooling system, lubrication system and fuel system are working properly; checking whether the electrical system and control system are sensitive and reliable, etc.
In addition, regular inspection and replacement of wearing parts are required according to the requirements of the instruction manual.
Advantages of using ship shaft generators
The ship shaft generator that drove by the ship’s main engine can provide enough electricity required by the entire sailing ship. It uses the surplus power of the main engine to achieve energy saving. In recent years, most of the newly built regular container ships, ore carriers, and bulk liquid cargo ships have been equipped with shaft generators.
Reduce fuel consumption: Usually, the power of the ship engine has a margin of more than 10%, while the capacity of the generator installed on the ship will not exceed this value, and the main engine efficiency is also higher than that of the conventional diesel auxiliary engine generator, so it is natural to give priority to shaft generators. Fuel consumption accounts for about 53% of the ship’s operating costs, and fuel savings immediately show huge economic benefits.
Reduce light diesel consumption: Ship main engines generally use relatively low-priced heavy oil, while diesel generators mostly use light diesel as fuel. Light diesel is more than twice as expensive as heavy oil. After using ship shaft generators, the use of light diesel is greatly reduced.
Reduce maintenance costs: Auxiliary generator sets are only required to be put into operation when the ship is at anchor or in a complex waterway. The maintenance workload of the shaft generator is much less than that of the auxiliary diesel generator set, and the maintenance cycle is much longer, which simplifies the operation and management of the ship.
Improve the working environment: Ships equipped with shaft generators can be equipped with smaller capacity auxiliary engines, which is conducive to expanding the space of the engine room, reducing the temperature of the engine room and reducing the noise of the engine room.
However, when the ship is at anchor or loading and unloading at the port, the ship’s shaft generator cannot supply power because the ship’s engine is not working, so the ship still needs to be equipped with auxiliary diesel generators of a certain power. These auxiliary diesel generators will run in parallel with the ship’s shaft generator for a long time.
Advantages of using diesel marine genset
When entering or leaving a port or docking, ships generally do not use shaft generators, but auxiliary diesel generators.
High efficiency: Diesel marine gensets have higher energy conversion efficiency than traditional steam turbines, thereby increasing the range and endurance of ships.
Flexibility: Diesel marine gensets can adjust their output power according to the needs of the ship to meet different mission requirements. Marine diesel gensets can adapt to different working environments and load requirements, and can be customized and adjusted according to the actual needs of the ship.
Reliability: Diesel generators are designed to be very rugged and durable, so they can keep running even in rough sea conditions. In addition, they are usually equipped with multiple spare parts to ensure continued operation in the event of a component failure.
Environmental performance: Combined with modern diesel generator technology, marine diesel generators produce lower emissions during use, helping to reduce the impact on the environment.
Kotech KGS silent diesel generators adopt advanced silent engine and motor, and is equipped with multiple protection and noise reduction measures, it is the perfect choice for those looking for a powerful, quiet, and efficient marine generators.
Ship emergency generators
Marine generators also include important ship emergency generators on board, which can quickly start and supply power to important navigation equipment when the main power fails. Whether its working condition is good directly affects whether the ship can quickly recover from loss of control, thereby ensuring the safety of the ship, the lives of the crew and even the safety of the marine environment.
The ship emergency generators are preferably a diesel generators that are driven by diesel engines with independent cooling and fuel supply and a starting device that complies with the international maritime regulations.
Except for cargo ships equipped with temporary emergency power supplies that comply with these regulations, it should be able to automatically start and automatically connect to the emergency switchboard when the main power fails, and the required equipment should automatically switch to the emergency switchboard, the automatic starting system of the prime mover and the characteristics of the prime mover should enable the ship emergency generators to carry the rated load as quickly as possible (no more than 45 seconds) under the premise of safety and feasibility.
Best marine generator manufacturers
CATERPILLAR (USA): A world-renowned generator brand that provides construction machinery, mining equipment, etc., with extensive business and manufacturing plants in China.
KOHLER (USA): With nearly 80 years of generator manufacturing history, it is the world’s second largest generator manufacturer, and its Asian manufacturing base is located in Changzhou.
CUMMINS(USA): A world-leading manufacturer of diesel and gas generator sets, with products covering a variety of uses from fixed facilities to leisure vehicles.
AKSA (Turkey): Focusing on power plant construction and operation and power generation equipment research and development and manufacturing, it is the largest generator set manufacturer in Turkey.
Kotech Group: A long-established British air compressor manufacturer, it also involves in the manufacturing of other industrial equipment such as diesel generators and lighting towers. Its marine generators are well-known in the field of marine power supply for their high efficiency, quietness and reliability.
HIMOINSA (Spain): Provides diesel and gas generator sets, lighting towers and control panels and other products. Its Asian subsidiary is located in Changzhou.
MTU Onsite Energy (Germany): A brand under Rolls-Royce, it provides a full range of power system solutions, focusing on microgrids and efficient energy supply.
Cummins Onan: A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cummins Group of the United States, it has focused on the design and manufacture of small mobile generator sets for more than 70 years and has become a world-renowned brand of vehicle-mounted generator sets and marine gensets.
Fischer Panda GmbH: The series of generators produced by Fischer Panda GmbH in Germany are widely used in various types of ships, including yachts, fishing boats, passenger ships, work boats, etc. They provide power support for various equipment on the ship, such as lighting, communication, navigation, refrigeration, air conditioning, etc., to ensure the normal operation of the ship and the comfort experience of passengers.
Volvo Penta: Founded in 1907, Features: A leading global supplier of power solutions for marine and industrial applications, with efficient and reliable products. Application areas: Focus on the manufacture of marine and industrial generators and complete power systems.
MAN Energy Solutions: Features: A German brand, famous for its rigorous craftsmanship and advanced equipment, the marine gensets are efficient, reliable and safe. Application areas: Widely used in shipbuilding.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan): Features: Excellent performance, high efficiency, stability and other characteristics, easy maintenance. Application areas: Meet the power needs of different ships.
Leroy Somer: French brand, one of the leading brands in the global motor industry, with products covering generators, fractional horsepower drives, etc. Application areas: Marine generators are one of its main products.
John Deere: Although famous for agricultural equipment, John Deere also provides a variety of power solutions including marine generators.
Wartsilǎ: Finnish brand, focusing on marine power and energy solutions, its marine generators have a place in the global market.
Scania: Swedish brand, the company is a leading global transportation solution provider, especially in the field of heavy trucks, large buses, and industrial and marine generators.
Points to consider when choosing a suitable marine genset
The performance of marine gensets is crucial. They determine the technical performance, safety performance and economic performance of the ship and are the key factors in ship transportation. High-performance marine generators can better ensure the safety of the ship, improve the fuel economy of the ship, and thus save operating costs.
Reliability of marine gensets
The reliability of marine gensets is very important, and it is the key to the safety performance of ships. The reliability of marine generator sets can be improved by improving the generator structure, improving the materials and manufacturing processes of generator components. At the same time, the reliability of marine generators can also be improved through correct operation, regular maintenance and repair.
Stability of marine gensets
The stability of marine gensets is also key, which determines the stability of the ship during driving. The stability of marine generators can be improved by improving the structure and power performance of the generator sets, which can improve the stability of the generator and reduce jitter and wheel vibration.
Fuel economy of marine generators
The fuel economy of marine generators is the key to improving the efficiency of ship operations. The fuel economy of marine generators can be improved by improving the structure of the generator, improving the power performance of the generator, and the operation of the genset. In addition, the fuel economy of the generator set can be improved by the installation and use of energy-saving equipment.
Environmental protection of marine gensets
The environmental protection of marine generators is the key to improving the ship environment. The environmental protection of marine generator sets can be improved by improving the generator structure, improving the materials and manufacturing processes of genset components, reducing genset fuel consumption and emissions, and thus improving the marine environment.
Maintenance of marine gensets
The maintenance of marine gensets is also very important, which is the key to ensure the safety and economic performance of the generator.
The maintenance of marine generators can be achieved through regular inspection, maintenance and repair, which can effectively extend the service life of the genset and improve the reliability and fuel economy of marine generator sets.
Best marine generators have many advantages such as reliability, stability, fuel economy, environmental protection and maintenance-free, and are the key to the safety and economic performance of ships.
Correct operation, regular maintenance and repair can effectively extend the service life of marine generators, improve the reliability and fuel economy of marine generators, and thus save operating costs.