Feasibility Study to change 298 Kw Diesel Engines to 300 Kw Electrical motor
In times of thin profit margins, every resource is required to be optimized and wastage is prevented at all cost. When we have surplus of any resource it is prudent to divert it and put to use rather than letting it go unused.
In case of one of our client they found that they have excess Electrical power obtainable which was not effectively utilized. This surplus power needed to be effectively used and get down the operational cost.
The client wisely evaluated possibilities for the ways this surplus electrical power could be used and concluded that the two prime movers which were presently driving the dredger pumps were running on the diesel fuel, this could be replaced to electrical motor and surplus electrical power available could be put to use. Considering the capacity of engines to be 298 Kw, the saving would be significant. In the process of evaluating the use of surplus electrical power by using electrical motor they realized that they also gained the advantage of low maintenance associated with electrical motor.
Upon making this operational decision, they wanted to check feasibility that their thought can be practically implemented.
In this stage Vedam was involved and client engaged Vedam to carryout feasibility check to ensure that their plan is implementable.
Vedam checked feasibility with many aspects including:
- Spatial feasibility
- Technical feasibility such as availability of major parts and components etc.
- Calculated power requirements to meet operational need for with newly installed motor.
- Systems effected due to this change.
- Access plan and structural modifications required
Vedam initiated the study by deploying two engineers on site to carryout survey and assembling input drawings and dimensions from vessel.
It followed through dimensional check of the spaces available to install motor in lieu of two Diesel engines.
We also checked the impact on gears and coupling and made recommendation.
The electrical power calculations were done to ascertain that surplus power is able to meet requirement of motor.
Finally structural changes required and access plan preparation was done.
A report comprising of all supportive drawings and data was submitted to client concluding positively that client’s plan is implementable.
Encouraged by first phase positive outcome, the client has given us go ahead for doing detail engineering with class approval of the plans.
