In a groundbreaking development for the maritime industry, a team led by Hyeun-Chul Kim from the Eco-Friendly Propulsion Headquarters at the Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute in Ulsan, South Korea, has pioneered new reliability testing methods for insulation systems in high-voltage rotating electrical machinery on ships. This research, recently published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, addresses a critical gap in ensuring the safety and longevity of electrical systems aboard vessels.
As ships grow larger and more eco-friendly, the electrical machinery powering them is also getting more powerful and complex. This trend has led to an increase in insulation system failures, which can cause significant disruptions and safety hazards. To tackle this issue, Lloyd’s Register became the first classification society to mandate reliability testing for insulation degradation in rotating electrical machinery. However, until now, there hasn’t been a standardized way to conduct these tests, especially considering the unique environmental stressors that shipboard systems face.
Kim and his team set out to change that. They developed and validated four types of reliability testing methods: thermal, electrical, multifactor, and thermomechanical degradation. These tests were designed to mimic the harsh conditions that shipboard electrical systems endure, such as high humidity, saltwater spray, and dynamic mechanical loads.
The results were impressive. The thermal evaluation showed a mean breakdown time of 7056 hours, far exceeding the IEC standard of 5000 hours. The electrical evaluation demonstrated a mean breakdown time of 5040 hours, while the multifactor evaluation showed a breakdown time of 258.5 days. The thermomechanical evaluation highlighted a 63rd percentile breakdown time of 245.7 hours, showcasing the system’s durability under combined mechanical and thermal stresses.
“These results collectively demonstrate that the proposed methods and evaluation criteria provide a robust and scientifically validated approach to assess the reliability of insulation systems in high-voltage rotating electrical machinery,” Kim stated.
The commercial implications of this research are significant. By providing a standardized and validated approach to insulation system testing, shipowners and operators can ensure the safety and reliability of their electrical systems, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. This is particularly important as the industry moves towards more electric and autonomous vessels, where the reliability of electrical systems is paramount.
Moreover, the development of these testing methods opens up opportunities for testing facilities and equipment manufacturers. As the maritime industry adopts these new standards, there will be a growing demand for specialized testing services and equipment.
Kim’s work represents a significant step forward in the standardization of shipboard insulation system testing. It not only addresses gaps in existing practices but also provides practical insights to improve the design and reliability of insulation systems in maritime applications. As the industry continues to evolve, this research will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of shipboard electrical systems.
For maritime professionals, this development means that there are now clear guidelines and methods to assess the reliability of insulation systems in high-voltage rotating electrical machinery. It’s a game-changer for ensuring the safety and longevity of electrical systems aboard vessels, and it’s a testament to the innovative work being done in the maritime industry.