In shipbuilding, as in industrial applications, 24 V networks are the standard for supplying controllers. However, even high-quality industrial components do not automatically fulfil the high requirements that apply at sea.
Weidmüller has made a name for itself among major players in this focus industry thanks to its outstanding portfolio of services. With PROtop power supplies and maxGUARD control voltage distribution systems, the Detmold company provides a broad range of systems offering a complete package of approvals for almost all shipbuilding classes. These include DNV (Det Norske Veritas), BV (Bureau Veritas) and RINA (Registro Italiano Navale) as a standard, to name just a few of the most important ones. Component certification makes approval of a maintenance group significantly easier. Often, functional tests are sufficient to certify the entire system. Because of this, Weidmüller carefully monitors the markets and continuously certifies even well-developed products for new classes. The two product families impress with their high performance and many practical details.
PROtop power supplies
In most applications, high safety standards on board require a redundant design. This usually consists of an AC/DC power supply and a DC/DC converter to connect an emergency power source. In conventional designs, separate diode modules are required for this purpose, which also ensure the supply if there is a short circuit in the power supply output. PROtop-AC/DC and -DC/DC power supplies work differently. They have integrated decoupling MOSFETs (ORing MOSFET) for safe operation. The term ORing comes from the term or, and designates a redundant power supply. They can be switched directly in parallel for redundant operation without additional installation or wiring work. This reduces system costs and saves space in the control cabinet.
All of the nearly 40 PROtop power supplies approved for shipbuilding fulfil the highest standards, such as a high degree of efficiency of up to 95.5 percent, and extremely space-saving design and DCL technology (dynamic current limiting). It provides high impulse reserves of up to 600 percent for 15 ms to reliably trigger circuit breakers. Thanks to the dynamic power reserve, however, up to 300 percent of the current can be provided for 100 ms for a powerful motor start. Painted circuit boards offer additional corrosion protection against the occasional influence of salt spray.
The very high vibration resistance of 4 g for use in the machine room is another key feature. Additional mounting brackets must be used in this case for direct installation. Communication modules for IO Link and CANopen can be retrofitted at any time to facilitate ongoing state monitoring and complete integration into control systems. Other communication modules are to follow.
maxGUARD control voltage distributions
maxGUARD offers a maintenance-free control voltage distribution with integrated load circuit protection, which can be installed in a manner that saves time and space. The combination of load monitoring elements and potential distribution terminals saves up to 50 percent of space and up to 20 percent of wiring work, while the flexible compatibility of numerous adjustable variants and fixed value variants always ensures solutions are optimised for the specific application.
The individual load circuits are monitored selectively so that only the affected circuit is switched off in case of an error. The electronic fuses of the maxGUARD react much more quickly and reliably than the circuit breakers used formerly. The individual fuses are equipped with two-pole relays specifically for use in shipbuilding, since 24 V systems usually do not have a ground, in contrast to machine construction. In case of an error, the affected load circuit must be switched off on all poles; otherwise, typical damage like a crushed cable can quickly cause a malfunction. The electronic components and circuit boards have a protective coating to offer increased corrosion protection for use under difficult ambient conditions at sea.
The system stands out for its ease of servicing, for instance with continuous integrated test contacts on the inputs and outputs. For testing and trial purposes, the specialised potential distributors have AMG DIS disconnecting levers to easily disconnect the load circuit for troubleshooting purposes. Cross-connections between the load monitoring and potential distribution clamps reduce required wiring work.
One system for every scenario
The two product families offer users a freely combinable program that fulfils high EMC requirements on the bridge, while also withstanding difficult conditions directly on the ship’s diesel engine. In addition, two additional UPS control devices and five VRLA battery modules with DNV and BV approval are available, in order to continue reliably supplying critical system parts in case of a network outage.
Weidmüller Service, however, is not only restricted to reliable delivery. Instead, customers have access to specialised application engineers to serve as contact persons. They support planning and production during the entire process, even with measurements on site as needed. Specialists expand their own expertise through close contact with customers.
