ABB launches circuit breaker
ABB’s solid state circuit breaker should make ships both safer and more energy efficient
The company’s SACE Infinitus enables shipping and marine vessels to run on sustainable and energy-efficient DC power grids, it said, premiering the system at SMM in Hamburg on Tuesday.
SACE Infinitus detects and clears short circuit faults 100 times faster than a traditional circuit breaker – and lasts 100 times longer.
DC power systems improve fuel efficiency by up to 20%, says ABB.
”Removing AC power’s losses and limitations, DC networks enable ships to match the electrical output of onboard diesel-electric gensets with the power required for propulsion and other loads. DC electrical architectures also simplify the integration of battery storage and hydrogen fuel cell systems into the ship’s electrical system and help maximize their efficiency.”
SACE Infinitus is the world’s first IEC 60947-2 certified circuit breaker with semiconductor technology, optimized for low losses, providing an all-in-one device for DC power protection and control. The device will be available with DNV certification for low voltage maritime applications, providing ultrafast protection to enable new DC network architectures, making them safe and easy to integrate for vessels.
”Renewables, battery storage and smart grids are integral to making the marine and shipping industry more sustainable,” said Thorsten Strassel, Global Product Manager, Solid State Circuit Breaker, ABB, ”DC networks deliver significant energy savings and fuel cost reductions, and with the launch of SACE Infinitus we can provide marine operators with the ultimate power protection they need to introduce DC safely and efficiently into their vessels.”
