Woodward DSLC to easYgen Retrofit

BRIEF

Two generators are dedicated to their respective Port and Starboard busbars, the third having two breakers to allow Port or Starboard feed. A coupler connecting the two busbars is normally closed and can be opened manually.

The existing system comprised of 3 sets of Woodward DSLC and Generator Protection Relay which were used to manage the synchronization of the 4 breakers, and the load-sharing and generator protection requirements of the system. The DSLC’s communicated with each other over LON and to a Woodward 828 controller which used a custom software to supervise the different operating modes. All these controls had their own interfaces, some in the form of Handheld Terminals (HHT) and each unit was hardwired to the ship’s management system.

Three Woodward easYgen 3500XT P2 very easily replaced the DSLC, 828 and Protection Relay system by combining the power management, engine-generator control and protection functions. The multiple user-interfaces were replaced with a single intuitive user-interface allowing monitoring of genset parameters at a glance, enabling the operator to make informed decisions. The system reliability is improved as the number of controllers was reduced from 7 to 3 and with the use of a redundant peer to peer network between the easYgen controllers.

A documentation package was provided to the customer to submit to the classification society for approval.

RESULT

Goltens’ team was successful in replacing 7 controllers with just 3 Woodward easYgen 3500XT P2 without sacrificing the operational philosophy. The vessel is now fully operational with improved system control and reliability and spares requirement cut by more than 50%.

RECOMMENDATION

If your vessel’s power management system does not function properly or you are worried about obsolescence, then we recommend that you plan an upgrade as part of your fleet maintenance schedule to avoid unplanned downtime and emergency service costs.