Selecting A Shore Power Static Frequency Converter For A Berth

Capacity Follows The Vessels That Call

Standard ratings are 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 3000 and 4000 kVA. Size on the peak simultaneous hotel load of the vessel classes that use the berth, then take the next standard rating above it.

Shore Power Static Frequency Converter

Output Frequency And Voltage

Output can be 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 400 Hz with an accuracy of 0.01. Output voltage levels are customised per project, and published rated output line currents cover both 440 V and 6.6 kV systems.

System Earthing Is Not Optional

The output is an IT system with neutral insulation, which is what most vessel switchboards expect. Confirm the vessel side arrangement before the design is fixed.

Harmonics Decide The Rectifier

6 pulse, 12 pulse and PWM rectifier front ends give input power factors of 0.90, 0.96 and 0.99 or better, with input current THD of 35, 6 and 5 percent or less at full load. The port authority limit decides which one is acceptable.

Housing And Site Constraints

Container type units are IP65 and air conditioned, sized 6058 to 12192 mm long. Indoor type units are IP32 with forced air cooling. Weights run from 4 t to 25 t, so the quay loading has to be checked early.

Environment And Derating

Rated output is continuous below 1000 m altitude and the ambient range is -10 to 45 degrees C. Above 1000 m the unit is derated.