New DP System from GE Power Conversion

GE’s Power Conversion business announces that they are bringing enhanced operability to the company’s Dynamic Positioning (DP) system. The latest version, being launched at OTC, is more energy-efficient, better integrated, and—most importantly—more ’mariner friendly’.

Since they were introduced some 50 years ago, DP systems have become increasingly complex in their configurations and in their operation. Sensors have become more sophisticated, there are more of them, and the same level of increased complexity applies to the electrical and propulsion systems. The computer control at the heart of a ship’s positioning system is also more sophisticated, but the basic principle of DP remains the same: to hold position with a computer system that takes signals from a range of sensors to sense environment, heading, position, and attitude and issues commands to thrusters and propellers.

Overall, it is in charge of the complex processes of maintaining a ship on station, a process that needs a high level of system automation so that a single operator can manage the vessel.

The new DP control system also embodies improvements to energy efficiency and sustainability. As part of GE’s ecomagination™ portfolio, the new DP system supports GE’s commitment to deliver cleaner and more-efficient sources of energy. The system includes a new “Energy Efficiency” mode , that can be used when appropriate. For example, when a supply vessel is alongside a rig, what the captain wants above all else is high accuracy positioning. But if the same supply vessel is standing by at a significant distance off the rig, GE’s new “Energy Efficiency” mode DP can be engaged resulting in a greater degree of position accuracy tolerance with substantially reduced fuel consumption. Studies have shown that fuel saving may, be as much as 10 percent or more with an associated Nox reduction of as much as 2o percent, depending on environmental factors and exact operational profile.

With all of its advantages, the new DP control is expected to be more technically and commercially competitive than ever.

[mappress]

Press Release, May 8, 2013