POWER MANAGEMENT FOR A DRILL SHIP

Sedco 471, a dynamically positioned drilling vessel being constructed in Halifax for completion in 1977, will carry a complete electrical power system matching in reliability and sophistication major land-based electrical utilities. Dynamics positioning will be accomplished by 14 propulsion units (12 thrusters of 800 hp each and two of 4,800 hp each). The close monitoring of power required and power generated during operation ensures adequate generation when requirements are high and allows safe reduction when they are low, resulting in minimal operating costs without loss of reliability. The vessel has a computerised control system, called the Data Management System, incorporating the Power Management System as the largest sub-system within it. With close monitoring of all critical plant machinery alarms, the vessel qualifies for unattended machinery space operation under ABS rules. If the computer should fail, the engineer's control console (ECC) senses this condition and automatically transfers the control mode to semi-automatic. Further protection is provided should the computer allow the load to exceed the on-line generating capability through some program malfunction. In addition to controlling the engine generators, the ECC is the engine control station for the main propulsion motors employing engine order telegraphs and engine throttleds.

• Corporate Authors:

  Diesel Engines Incorporated

  11225 West Bluemound Road, Box 7406
  Milwaukee, WI  United States  53213
• Authors:
  • Cox, L M
  • Langkamp, G
• Publication Date: 1976-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 2 p.
• Serial:
  • Diesel and Gas Turbine Progress
  • Volume: 42

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Control; Control consoles; Drilling ships; Electric power generation; Electric power plants; Voyage management systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Power plant control
• Subject Areas: Energy; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00165276
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Ship Research Association
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 23 1977 12:00AM