BlueDrive PlusC

Makes vessels safer, more profitable and

environmentally friendly
Foto: www.valderhaug.no

Foto: www.valderhaug.no

To summarize, BlueDrive PlusC delivers the • Reduces installation costs due to streamlined
following benefits: system configuration

A system of benefits
• Lowers operational costs – includes gaining • Improves working environment by minimizing
record levels of energy from each fuel unit noise and vibration

2 • Provides significant lifetime maintenance and • Is suitable for both high-speed and medium- 3
repair cost savings by cutting engine time at speed engines
BlueDrive PlusC

BlueDrive PlusC
rated speed and reducing the number of electrical
BlueDrive PlusC is Siemens’ innovative solution for ship propulsion. components required • Option to use battery power to reduce engine
running time and provide further savings in fuel
This holistic approach to diesel-electric vessels increases safety, cuts • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing and greenhouse gas emissions
operational costs, improves lifecycle economics and decreases the combustion. Provides better control and improves
safety through its energy management and • Increases vessel resale value
environmental footprint. No other vessel propulsion system can match thruster control systems
BlueDrive PlusC. Over the next pages, we’ll take a detailed look
• Delivers flexibility as each generator, diesel at how this next-generation propulsion system
engine, propeller and thruster is independently achieves these significant benefits for your fleet.
controlled

• Cuts space required for main switchboard and

frequency converters

BlueDrive PlusC is an innovative propulsion

solution with significant benefits to
shipowners and operators.
 Exhaust temperature for a variable high-speed
diesel engine as a function of speed and load.
4 5
Power g/kwh
BlueDrive PlusC

BlueDrive PlusC
kW Temp °C 300
An essential part of the BlueDrive PlusC propulsion Fuel consumption is
2500 500 system is its variable-speed generator sets (gensets). 280 dramatically reduced at
The generators are purpose-built, brushless and low loads for variable-
2000 260
450 synchronous, and deliver a wide range of frequencies speed gensets compared
1500 240 to fixed-speed gensets.
and voltage for diesel, dual-fuel or gas-operated
1000 vessels. At all times, BlueDrive PlusC controls 220
400
the engines to achieve optimal speed set points
500 200
based on torque capability and most-efficient fuel
0 350 consumption. To avoid overload, engine capability 180
700 900 1080 1260 1440 1620 1800 kW is constantly monitored. The result is a very flexible 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Power
rpm
Power Unit Curve Temperature Curve
system that runs optimally through all operations.
Fixed rpm Variable rpm

Playing the variables

Reduced fuel consumption seamlessly, even if individual engines differ in
Variable-speed gensets dramatically reduce fuel response times. Variable-speed operated
consumption at low loads compared to fixed-speed genset
alternatives. Less noise and vibration
By reducing speed at any load below rated power,
Reduced wear and tear noise and vibration are cut significantly. This includes
Optimized operation places less strain on engines, engine-room and structural-born noise that carry
which pays dividends in reduced maintenance and into accommodation and other vessel areas. Vessels
longer engine life. operating at low load experience the greatest
improvements in working environment.
Simply time saving
As generators do not need synchronizing with Environmentally friendly
BlueDrive PlusC, the start-up process is simplified When engine speed reduces with decreasing load,
and standby-start time is reduced. Opportunities exhaust temperatures remain high. This means that
for individual fuel and operational optimization selective catalyst reduction (SCR) is kept operational,
are endless as parallel gensets can be operated even at low loads, and substantial reductions in NOx
independently of each other. The system’s spinning emissions are achieved compared to constant-speed
reserve generating capacity can also be used through a gensets.
network connection, even when engines are idling.
Furthermore, as BlueDrive PlusC provides more
Fast response gives improved vessel operation energy from each fuel unit than any other propulsion
Intensive testing shows that both medium- and high- system, other greenhouse gas emissions are reduced
speed engines provide impressive dynamic response accordingly.
times with BlueDrive PlusC. Even under variable speed
control, highly demanding dynamic positioning is Add the smaller environmental footprint from longer
supported. Together with gas engines for instance, equipment life and reduced maintenance and the total
BlueDrive PlusC provides even greater advantages environmental benefits are substantial compared to
since the system is not synchronized and operates alternatives.
 150 250 Operational profile of an
offshore vessel over one year.

Green credentials
2250
2000
6 7
Transit
BlueDrive PlusC

BlueDrive PlusC
Manouvering to/from rig
BlueDrive PlusC reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but by how much Manouveringharbour
and how do these savings vary by engine type? Here are the findings from detailed analysis
Alongside terminal
into vessel operation. The results are based on a typical offshore vessel run with fixed-
speed diesel, dual-fuel and gas engines, and BlueDrive Plus C variable-speed diesel engines. Waiting offshore
Differences in fuel savings and greenhouse gas emissions are significant. DP

Hours pr year
1360

2750

MGO
Fuel consumption Tonn/year
Tonn/year +10%
3000
A consumption comparison of Marine Gas Oil (MGO) 8000
equivalents for three electric-propulsion systems with
+6%
2500 fixed-speed engines and one with variable-speed diesel 7000
-19%
-12% engines show that a propulsion system with BlueDrive -17%
2000 6000 -25%
PlusC delivers the most savings.
1500
5000
NOx emissions
1000
A NOx emission comparison of the same four 4000
500 propulsion systems as noted above shows that diesel-
electric engines run with BlueDrive PlusC reduces NOx 3000
0 emissions by 83% in comparison to fixed-speed diesel
Diesel electric Dual Fuel BlueDrive Plus C Gas electric 2000
engines and by 53% compared to gas-electric solutions.
Comparison of greenhouse
This can save the atmosphere from up to 24 tonnes of 1000
NOx a year. gas emissions by engine type.
NOx 0
Tonn/year Other greenhouse gas emissions Diesel electric Dual fual BlueDrive Plus C Gas electric
35 The bar chart shows greenhouse gas emissions for the Total Greenhouse Gas Emission CO2 CH4/Metan
30 same electric-propulsion systems detailed previously –
fixed-speed diesel, dual-fuel, gas and BlueDrive Plus C
25 variable-speed diesel. When considering emissions, it’s
20
-30% important to remember that dual-fuel and gas engines
produce methane slip, i.e. incomplete combustion
15 -53%
of methane (CH4) in the cylinders, which releases
10 methane through the exhaust system. This increases
-83% greenhouse gas emissions significantly as methane‘s
5 greenhouse effect is over 20 times more powerful than
0
carbon dioxide’s. Consequently, even a small release of
Diesel electric Dual Fuel BlueDrive Plus C Gas electric methane easily counters other gains.
Perhaps the most significant comparison is between
dual-fuel offshore vessels with the same operating
profile, which are given CO2-fee exemption due to their
Bar chart 1: Comparison of fuel consumption by engine type. environmental profile. Calculations show 25% lower
Bar chart 2: Comparison of NOx emissions by engine type. greenhouse-gas emissions for variable-speed diesel
engines alternative.
 9

BlueDrive PlusC
Full Control
The energy management system ensures that gensets are working at speeds
and loads that safely deliver lowest fuel consumption and emissions of
greenhouse gases. It operates engines, propellers and thrusters at different
speeds to reach optimal vessel operation.
No other propulsion system provides lower fuel consumption in all
operational modes.

How it works • Propulsion control handles, for example,

The energy management system (EMS) is DP/maneuvering based on speed management
preprogrammed with curves giving engine fuel and transfer operations through power control of
consumption under different load conditions. The EMS propulsion units. It prevents windmilling and
interfaces with sub-controllers for gensets, thrusters reduces out-of-water propeller spinning
and remote controls to monitor and set optimal engine
speed. Together with Siemens’ renowned genset- • An intelligent load controller linked to the bus-tie
protection systems – Power Plant Protection (P3) breaker monitors power demand and determines the
and Generator Power Adaption (GPA) – an integrated number of gensets in operation at any given time
propulsion control system is created for the entire
process. • The thruster control system contains separate
levers for thruster speed and rotation settings. It
Reliable and redundant also contains alarm and monitoring capability, mode
Individual sub-controllers for each genset, thruster selectors and interfaces to various sub-systems in the
and half-switchboard give flexible operation. Only vessel
market-leading Siemens’ SIMATIC controllers are used
to ensure full reliability.

Clear for battery power

Batteries can be used as short-term spinning reserve
during start up or as a continuous power source to
replace supply from gensets. Version 3

Seamless operation
Genset, switchboard, propulsion and thruster control Integrated engine and
systems are fully integrated to ensure seamless ship
operation. thruster control
Redundant Profinet/Profibus
A controlling interest
BlueDrive PlusC also manages the following
operations:

• Gensets monitor and control engine speed and

generator voltage
 10
Battery powered 11
BlueDrive PlusC

BlueDrive PlusC
BlueDrive PlusC is designed for easy connection to alternative energy
sources and storage modules. These can be fuel cells, super capacitors,
batteries or other means of energy production and storage. Energy storage
modules, such as batteries, will significantly reduce vessels’ energy use
and emissions in the years to come.

Battery utilization modules increases available power and energy The world’s first battery-powered ferry is a joint
Modern lithium batteries can safely handle substantial reserve. This hybrid operation results in enhanced DP project between Siemens shipbuilder, Fjellstrand and
charge and discharge power. In addition, weight, capability, despite lowering genset running hours.
shipowner Norled. It will be run between Lavik and
volume and price have all been greatly reduced in
recent years, which suits ship operation. Stored Silent and clean harbor operations Oppedal across Sognefjord on Norway’s west coast.
energy can be produced onboard or transferred from When connected to harbor supply, BlueDrive PlusC
land. This stored energy can be used in a variety of accepts different frequency and voltage levels. The
ways to improve vessel performance and reduce fuel onboard energy-storage system means start-up and
consumption. utilization of heavy consumers is possible even with
weak shore supply. Energy storage units can also be
Hybrids = fuel savings charged from shore. This approach gives quieter and
In combination with a combustion engine, energy cleaner harbor operations.
storage modules can either store excess energy
or provide it when needed. This improves fuel
consumption still further and increases redundancy.
Batteries support and improve operation of any
primary energy source, such as gas, dual-fuel or diesel
engines. Battery energy is immediately available
and improves dynamic operation of engines with
low response capability in critical situations, as well
as reducing rapid speed changes during normal
operation. Reduced engine running time is also a
benefit of hybrid systems.

Only batteries included

It is fully possible to operate vessels using battery
power only. In fact, the world’s first fully battery-
operated ferry becomes a reality in 2015. The
Norwegian ferry will use BlueDrive PlusC with onboard
batteries charged from onshore land-based charging
stations at either side of its crossing. Importantly, as
the shore-based power is from the local hydroelectric-
powered electricity grid, it will be the world’s first
emission-free electric-powered ferry.

Hybrid operation enhances DP capability

For offshore vessels, DP capability and high ERNs New possibilities with integrated
conflict with fuel economy and reduced genset- energy storage system
running hours. Introduction of energy storage
Integrated automation
and control 13

BlueDrive PlusC
Siemens is the world’s single-source leader of automation technology products.
Its best-in-class SIMATIC automation system defines totally integrated automation (TIA).
It includes a range of industrial automation products designed for a wide variety of tasks.
Flexible and cost-effective, SIMATIC is ideally suited for managing the ever-growing
demands of today’s fast-changing world. Naturally, extensive training, service and
support are an important part of Siemens’ total solution.
Siemens’ commitment to superior engineering and technology makes SIMATIC
automation systems synonymous with excellence. For more than 50 years, Siemens has
consistently advanced technological progress in automation. Its systems cover all industry
requirements and sets standards in their respective fields.

Keep fully informed

BlueDrive PlusC, together with integrated automation • Fire and gas detectionAutomatic event log with
and control based on SIMATIC, enable crews to operate synchronizing capability
and monitor all onboard systems, such as main
engines, propulsion, auxiliary equipment, process • Built-in exclusive control
actuators and sensors. This combination makes it
possible to carefully control and fine-tune all ship • HVAC remote control
processes, so that the vessel operates safely and
reliably using less fuel and emitting lower levels of • Decentralized architecture with redundant
greenhouse gases. communication using Profinet and Profibus to
Here’s an overview of additional applications run by process input, output, power station, energy storage,
the integrated automation and control system: propulsion, steering, thruster control, pumps, fans,
actuators, sensors and motor control
• Integrated safety systems

• Redundancy concepts

• Intelligent alarm management Version 2

• Cargo control

• Remote diagnostic system Seamless integration of all

systems onboard
• Dead man alarms
Fiberoptic Ethernet Ring
Redundant Profinet/Profibus
 14 15
BlueDrive PlusC

BlueDrive PlusC
A new world of advantages

Power play
BlueDrive PlusC is based on fully integrated power distribution, with the main
switchboard and all drives collected into one compact unit. The main switchboard
has in/out AC voltage and supplies clean power to other switchboards. Engine Variable
speed is controlled to optimize fuel consumption and reduce load-deviation issues. Speed
BlueDrive PlusC also has the advantage of integrated speed-control drives.
Flexible Generators
shore Reduced
connection Losses
Save space 50/60 Hz
The single compact unit provides space savings of
around 30% compared to equivalent 12-pulse systems.

20,000 times faster

Closed bus-ties give better operational availability and Dual Energy
reduced running hours for the main engines. With
BlueDrive PlusC, an intelligent load controller splits
Thruster Storage
the switchboard 20,000 times faster than a regular bus- Feeds
tie breaker if a short circuit occurs. Here, the breaker’s
performance makes it possible to operate with closed
bus-ties.

Flexible shore connection

BlueDrive PlusC connects the ship to shore with a
flexible frequency of 50/60 Hz. It automatically adapts
frequency in relation to supply and tackles differing
No Clean Power
voltage of 400 to 440 V. Batteries can also be charged Syncronizing Network
from land if these are installed.

Redundant feed thruster

True redundant thruster feeds.
Redundancy is improved through thruster feeds
from two switchboards that have their own supply
to all relevant auxiliary systems. This is particularly
important for dynamic positioning (DP) vessels to
improve environmental regularity number (ERN) Closed Easy
capability.Reduced installation costs as the drives
and main switchboard are in one compact unit,
Bustie Installation
Siemens can run comprehensive integration tests operation
before delivery to the yard. The combination of less
equipment installed and early testing reduces build
time and costs. Compact Reduced
Single Volume
unit
 Marine & Shipbuilding
Bratsbergveien 5
NO-7037 Trondheim
Tel: +47 815 365 24
Fax: +47 73 95 91 90

www.siemens.no/marine

Install Siemens´
quality throughout
your vessel
Siemens’ broad portfolio of quality products for assimilation into the
integrated automation and control system reduces installation and
operational costs.
• CCTV systems • Gas- and steam turbines
• Fire and security systems • Ballast water treatment
• LED and emergency lightning • Digital product management
• HVAC system • Engineering process management
• Process instrumentation • Manufacturing process managament
• Sensors • Drives and control for aux. equipment
• Actuators
• Valves
• Motor management and control devices
• Gearboxes