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A power quality solution for Bourbon Evolution ships

Bourbon is a leading service provider for the offshore and marine industry. They offer support such as offshore installation and vessel supply, pollution remediation, and positioning of offshore installations. Within the marine industry, Bourbon is known for their high quality and comprehensive offering, so when they began construction of the Evolution series of ships, a series of multi-purpose supply vessels (MPSVs), it was of utmost importance to include the latest and most reliable technology and equipment onboard.

Bourbon evolution

What makes MPSVs unique is that they can operate in what is known as dynamic positioning (DP) mode. In DP mode, the vessel stabilizes and holds its position while pumping fuel or oil to or from a platform.

Challenge

The primary power quality concern for Bourbon was compliance with the Bureau Veritas (BV) class requirement. The BV requirement demanded the ships to have a voltage THD (total harmonic distortion) of 5% in all operating conditions, even during the energy intensive process of DP. Additionally, space and weight is a valuable commodity in the marine industry. Therefore, Bourbon needed a solution that would meet the BV requirement while saving space and weight aboard the vessels.

Reduction in voltage THD when ADF power tuning is applied

Voltage THD without compensation from ADF
Voltage THD without compensation from ADF
Voltage THD with compensation from ADF Power Tuning
Voltage THD with compensation from ADF Power Tuning

Solution

Each Bourbon Evolution ship is now equipped with a pair of ADF P300 units compensating the main busbar, as well as a set of three ADF P100 units. ADF was chosen over competing technology due to its flexibility, performance, and price.

Bourbon evolution side

Result

While the two final vessels are yet to be commissioned, during testing of DP conditions at different voltage levels, ADF Power Tuning vastly improved voltage THD.

The measurements below show just how effective the technology can be:

  • At 600VAC voltage THD was reduced from 9.7% to 4.8%.

  • At 480VAC voltage THD was reduced from 7.6% to 3.8%.

  • At 230 VAC voltage THD was reduced from 7.8% to 4.3%

These are typical results; however they may vary from vessel to vessel.

Featured product

ADF P100

The ADF P100 active filter gives you everything in a compact format. Although compact and cost-effective, the ADF P100 features the same excellent cutting-edge performance as its bigger ADF P300 family member.

  • Harmonic elimination

  • Wall mounted format

  • Compact and cost-effective

  • Modular and scalable design

  • Several ADF P100s can be combined for higher power

  • Fully customizable harmonic compensation

  • Load balancing

  • Simple installation