Support Arctic expedition -- Siemens electric propulsion system powers the polar icebreaker Audax The giant Yamal liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, jointly launched by China and Russia, began operation on December 8, 2017. Regarded as the energy pearl in the Arctic region in Russia, Yamal LNG plant is the world s largest LNG project at the moment. Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended the official ceremony on that day. After its operation, the oil and gas reserves that have been buried under the Arctic ice for millions of years will be ready to be explored and developed by humans. Being the first cooperation project of the whole industry chain between China and Russia in the Arctic region, Yamal LNG project is an important pivot of the so-called Silk Road on ice. The on-time operation of this project can be attributed to Audax and its sister vessel Pugnax, the world s first two polar class heavy transport deck carriers. Sailing on the ice waters in the Arctic region, both of them served to transport the large modules for the project. With a maximum load of 28,500 tons, the 206.3-meter icebreaker Audax arrived in the Port of Sabetta on Russian Yamal Peninsula after an eight-day voyage from Belgium. Powered by Siemens advanced electric propulsion system that optimizes energy efficiency, Audax played a crucial role in the construction of this LNG project. Smashing through ice As the world s first polar class heavy transport deck carrier capable of breaking ice up to 1.5 meters thick, the Audax can carry two large 10,000-ton modules at the same time and travel at a speed of 2 knots, or about 3.8km/h, through the ice. From power generation and power distribution to drives, Siemens electric propulsion system helps the Audax handle the daunting challenges posed by the harsh polar environment in a powerful and energy-efficient way. The biggest challenge to the electric propulsion system is the instant large torque fluctuations when the vessel is running in ice conditions, said Erik-John Gerssen, Audax s chief engineer. The propulsion motors are specially designed to meet the mechanical stress caused by these high torque fluctuations. In other words, in the icy Arctic waters where the propeller blades may be confronted with hundreds of tons of impact force, the Siemens propulsion motors can continuously output sufficient power to ensure that the vessel can overcome obstacles and progress smoothly through the packed ice.
In the Siemens electric propulsion system, two 8 MW and two 7.6 MW generators continuously provide stable power to the carrier. The transformers convert the power into voltages suitable for the drive system and other equipment. In addition, the low and medium voltage distribution panels provide safe and efficient power transmission and distribution. The two main propulsion drives and two 12 MW propulsion motors work together perfectly to meet different power requirements during ice-breaking and normal navigation. Besides the mechanical aspects of these torque fluctuations, also the electrical effects need to be considered in the power grid. Therefore the propulsion drives are controlled by special software and the power management system is extended with special features to ensure a stable power supply, Gerssen said. Audax is equipped with the Siemens Power Management System (PMS). It optimizes power distribution to achieve the highest efficiency and maintain the most economical operating status for the vessel. In extreme situations it distributes the power to critical equipment to ensure the ship s operating stability. During the voyage, the operating status of all systems on board, like mechanical equipment and fuel, are constantly transparent and controllable. The Siemens Siship, based on the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA), collects and monitors the operating parameters of each system in real time to inform the captain on the bridge. The integrated Siemens Siship electric propulsion system helps the Audax improve overall efficiency and reliability and reduce fuel consumption, thus lowering operating costs. Remote diagnosis If any equipment on the Audax when it is in the Arctic Ocean has problems, Siemens engineers in Shanghai can diagnose these remotely via the Internet, solve problems as early as possible and, in turn, ensure equipment availability and ship safety. The remote diagnosis system mainly achieves two functions: hardware diagnosis and remote software operation interface modification. If the crew detects a problem, Siemens engineers can read the diagnostic information by logging on to their computers. This approach is a little like the remote assistance offered by QQ, the instant messaging software service. As a result, engineers can respond rapidly without having to rush to the site, thus saving time and costs for customers. With the remote diagnosis service, problems can be solved promptly. So our customers are satisfied and we are happy, said Shi Qinghua, team leader of the remote diagnosis service at Oil and Gas and Marine Technology, Process Industries and Drives Division, Siemens Ltd., China. Over the years, new technologies have been developed and implemented for the polar icebreaker carriers. Siemens pays close attention to development of new technologies and actively provides advanced power systems for the ships. Siemens has followed up
on these new developments actively and developed new electric solutions for this kind of vessel. This project sets a new benchmark for the application of the Siemens propulsion system for polar vessels. Starting with the polar class heavy transport deck carriers, Siemens has implemented state-of-the-art technology to achieve the highest reliability, efficiency and availability. Also Siemens has made new contributions to the exploration and development of resources in polar regions, said Hu Xiangdong, head of Marine Solution, Process Industries and Drives Division, Siemens Ltd., China.
Captions: A polar bear mother and her cub relax and enjoying the sunshine on the thick ice. As the world s first polar class heavy transport deck carrier capable of breaking ice up to 1.5 meters thick, the Audax is transporting modules for the world s largest LNG project in Yamal.
Audax s chief engineer Erik-John Gerssen s job is to ensure the stability of all the equipment on board. Siemens electric propulsion system ensures that the ship can withstand the severe challenge of polar ice breaking. In the Siemens electric propulsion system, the two generators supply constant and stable power to the ship. The transformer converts the power generated into a voltage that can be used by the drive system and other equipment.
The medium- and low-voltage distribution cabinets safely and efficiently distribute power to all electrical equipment on the vessel. The two main propulsion drives work seamlessly with the two 12MW main propulsion motors to meet different power requirements during ice breaking and normal sailing. The Audax is equipped with the Siemens Power Management System (PMS) which ensures rational power distribution and, in extreme cases, guarantees critical power supply to improve ship safety and efficiency.
The Siemens Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) solution collects and monitors the operating parameters of each system in real time to well inform the captain on the bridge. If any equipment on the Audax has a problem in the Arctic Ocean a Siemens engineer in Shanghai can remotely diagnose it through the Internet, thus supplying solutions as early as possible.