ABB permanent magnet shaft generators improve the efficiency, performance and reliability of ships
Innovative design can save 3-4% on fuel costs
The lightweight and compact shaft generator design reduces the installation area by approximately 20%
ABB’s new shaft generator uses permanent magnet technology to improve efficiency, optimize performance and enhance reliability for ship operators. The e new generator brings flexibility and ease of installation to a wide range of vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels and passenger-rolling vessels.

The AMZ 1400 permanent magnet shaft generator is optimized for inverter control and is more efficient than inductive or electrically excited synchronous generators at both full and low loads. It will help operators cut fuel costs by 3-4% and significantly reduce emissions. With light weight and small size, the installation area is reduced by about 20%.

Thanks to the simple and reliable permanent magnet, this shaft generator is a maintenance-free solution. It provides a convenient installation method for shipyards, where the propulsion shaft is mounted on the generator and then hoisted into the silo.

PCIE-6363

Juha-Pekka Kivioja, ABB’s global product Manager for large motors and generators, said: “More than three decades of experience have shown that ABB’s permanent magnet technology is extremely reliable in large motors and generators, especially in offshore wind turbines and Marine propulsion applications. Its application to generators is an important step in helping ship energy systems comply with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Existing Ship Energy Efficiency Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Index (CII) established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). ABB’s permanent magnet technology improves energy efficiency, so a permanent magnet shaft generator using this technology can significantly reduce emissions on large ships.”

In addition to new ships, ABB’s permanent magnet technology is also suitable for existing ships. By retrofitting existing ships, it offers a practical option to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

In combination with the main propulsion engine, the shaft generator offers three modes of operation. In PTO (Power Take Out) mode, it provides power to the ship’s grid. It not only optimizes the selection of large engines, but also reduces the need for auxiliary generator sets, saving fuel costs and reducing emissions. In PTI(Power Take In) mode, the shaft generator operates as an electric motor to provide additional power for the ship’s propulsion. It can also enable PTH(Power Take Home) mode for emergency propulsion in the event of a main engine failure.

A combination of permanent magnet shaft generators and frequency converters can also power the side push motor, enabling ship-to-shore connections and connecting other DC power sources or DC devices.

As the first order, ABB will supply Bermuda-based Himalaya Shipping with permanent magnet shaft generators for its fleet of 12 210,000 DWT dual-fuel bulk carriers.