FREQUENCY CONVERTERS IN SHIP POWER PLANTS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

In our time, transport energy is rapidly developing, and this is accompanied by increasing demands for the safety and reliability of marine equipment. At the same time, the power of main and auxiliary engines is constantly increasing. Because of this, maintaining the energy efficiency of ship power plants throughout their entire service life becomes par- ticularly important. The evolution of propulsion drive control technologies began with systems based on direct current (DC) motors, which were controlled by thyristor converters. Although these systems provided speed regulation, they had significant drawbacks, such as high operating costs, maintenance complexity, as well as large dimensions and weight. The develop- ment of power electronics and microprocessor technology allowed for the transition to more advanced alternating current (AC) systems. The article examines the evolution and current state of the application of frequency converters in ship power plants. A detailed analysis of key propulsion drive control technologies is carried out, from historically appropriate systems based on DC motors with thyristor converters to modern AC drives. Special attention is paid to comparing different converter topologies, such as cycloconverters, current source inverters, and voltage source inverters (PWM), which are the basis of modern electric propulsion systems. Their oper- ating principles, advantages, disadvantages, and features of application are determined, particularly in systems that require high performance and accuracy, such as dynamic positioning or movement in ice conditions. Based on the analysis, a comparative characteristic of the main types of drives is presented according to criteria such as starting currents, dynamics, power factor, harmonic distortion, and efficiency. The results of the study emphasize the transition to AC drives as the most optimal solution for modern shipbuilding. Thus, modern electric propulsion systems with frequency converters based on voltage source inverters (PWM) have become the most optimal solution for shipbuilding.