Electrical systems design of a maritime search and rescue vessel

Carl Fisher

This thesis report documents an investigation into the electrical engineering aspects and design considerations pertinent to the maritime industry and, in particular, to ship building. The investigation is a review of the electrical power systems of a 35 metre search and rescue (SAR) vessel designed and constructed for the Philippines coast guard by BAE Systems at its Henderson shipbuilding facility in Perth, Western Australia. The purpose of reviewing the electrical systems of the 35M vessel is to provide a platform from which future vessels of similar class, size and operational purpose can be designed. The electrical engineering design aspects include an introductory description of the rules for classification for which vessels are constructed and in particular that of the 35M SAR vessel and the structure of project management and the interrelationships between different engineering and design departments which are involved in the 35M SAR shipbuilding process. The re-validation of the electrical engineering systems includes the use of the existing 35M SAR vessels load demand to determine generator sizing, three phase motor starting arrangements, cabling, protection and DC emergency power systems, all of which are referenced against classification rules and international standards requirements where applicable. The document is constructed in a systematic way which allows the reader to identify the design processes involved in the 35M SAR vessel. Its order may not specifically represent the order for which the electrical design is carried out; additionally it does not include specific mechanical or architectural design detail. However generalised detail is included, where applicable, in order to provide background information. It has been shown that a systematic approach to shipbuilding and a constructive and professional relationship between various engineering and design departments is paramount to the successful construction of a maritime vessel. It was additionally identified that during the electrical engineering design process, assumptions are made based on past experiences and practical appreciation for vessel load demands during normal operational conditions, which ultimately ensures system loading is reduced while still maintaining operational requirements of the vessel. It is however identified that over-sizing of some items, such as cables, is deliberate in order to reduce installation errors and potential product availability issues.

Electrical systems design of a maritime search and rescue vessel

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