Diesel-electric drive

16 June 2023

The generators we can supply are ideally suited to the design of diesel-electric drives. With such a drive, you combine the security and independence of the diesel engine with the clean, quiet and energy-efficient operation of the electric motor. Diesel-electric propulsion represents an important step forward toward clean and energy-efficient shipping.

The advantages of diesel-electric propulsion

The classic ship propulsion system consists of 1 large diesel engine directly coupled to the shaft on which the propeller is mounted. The disadvantage of this system is that the diesel engine is always running. Even when little power is needed, such as when sailing downstream. Diesel-electric propulsion provides a convenient solution to this problem. This is because with diesel-electric, the ship’s propeller is driven by an electric motor. Power for the electric motor is generated by one or more generator sets. The major advantage of this design is that a number of generator sets can be switched off depending on the load.

An additional advantage is that now that the propeller shaft no longer needs to be in direct line with the diesel engine, better weight distribution on the ship can also be achieved. In addition, the behavior of the electric motor is also different. For example, an electric motor has high torque even at low rpm, making it a strong drive. It gives the possibility of very slow turning and thus slow sailing.

The challenges of diesel-electric

Because diesel-electric drive requires several generator sets to be able to work together, a considerable amount of control technology is required. Also, a frequency converter is often used to control the electric motor, which in turn leads to additional demands on the generator and more complexity of the system.

There are also higher investment costs associated with diesel-electric propulsion because there will be multiple generator sets on board the ship.

Caldic Techniek levert meerwaarde

As Caldic Techniek we find it important to add value in the whole chain. Therefore we have developed several services you can rely on.

During your engineering process our people are ready to advise and assist you. Because the better solution may require customization, we have the ability to modify generators in our workshops in Rotterdam.

Would you like to know more about diesel-electric propulsion? We would be happy to tell you more about our experience and the various modifications and couplings we can make for you.