HV ON SHIPS

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 What is High Voltage?
(Marine system)

• In Marine Practice
Voltages upto & Incl.1000V - L.V.
Voltages above 1000V - H.V

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 HV systems on ships

• Generally when operating voltage of an electric

system exceeds 1000 Volts the system is termed as
HV system.
• However for practical applications the system
voltages for HV system on board is 6600 V, though
3300 is also used in few designs where the power
requirement is not very high and in case of large
cruise liners the system voltage is 11000 Volts.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Evolution of HV Ships

• Higher power requirements on board vessels is the

foremost reason for the evolution of HV in ships
• Higher power requirements have been necessitated
by
– Development of larger vessels required for container
transport particularly reefer containers
– Gas carriers needing extensive cargo cooling
– Electrical Propulsion

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Power Equation
AS PER OHMS LAW

POWER = VOLTAGE x CURRENT

For a given Power,

Higher the Voltage, Lesser is the Current

440 KW = 440,000 Watts = 440 Volts x 1000 Amps

1100 Volts x 400 Amps
11000 Volts x 40 Amps

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Advantages of using HV Ships
• For a given power, Higher voltage means Lower current,
resulting in:

– Reduction in size of generators, motors, cables etc.

– Saving of Space and weight
– Ease of Installation
– Reduction in cost of Installation
– Lower losses – more efficient utilization of generated power
– Reduction in short circuit levels in the system which decides the
design and application of the electrical equipment used in the power
system.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 What is Short Circuit?

A short circuit ( or a fault ) is said to have taken place when the

current is not confined to its normal path of flow but diverted through
alternate path(s).
During short circuit, the current rises much above the normal value.
Short circuit level is the maximum possible current that flows at the
point of fault during a short circuit.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Types of faults (Short Circuits)
in a Power system & SC Levels

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Effects of Short Circuit

• High currents during Short circuits can cause

damage to electrical installation by giving rise
to excessive
Thermal Stresses
Mechanical Stresses
Arcing

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Effects of Short Circuit

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Methods adopted to prevent effects
of short circuit in a system
• A well-designed Protective Relay system trips out a breaker(s)
and isolates the faulty circuit from the power source within a
short time to prevent/minimise effects of high short circuit
current, as and when it occurs.
• The equipment in the system, the cables, the switchgear, the
busbar, the generator are designed to withstand the effects
of short circuit during that short period.
• Prior Calculation of the short circuit levels in the system is
therefore required to help in
a. Designing an appropriate Protective Relay
System
b. Choosing the right switchgear with suitable short
circuit withstand capacity to be used in the system

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Reduction of SC Levels
By using HV-An Example

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Disadvantages of using HV

• Higher Insulation Requirements for cables

and equipment used in the system.
• Higher risk factor and the necessity for strict
adherence to stringent safety procedures.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 “Creepage” & “Clearance”

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Major Risk Factors
• High inter-electrode capacitances present in
HV Systems
• Stored Energy in HV inductances
• Arcing,Sparks and creepage(Tracking) due to
Moisture,Low insulation, Loose connections
etc.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 A Typical Power Cable

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Inter-electrode Capacitance

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Inter-electrode Capacitance
• Two Conductors of Electricity (Electrodes) Separated by an insulating
media(e.g Two adjacent cores in a Power Cable) form a Capacitor while
carrying an Electrical Current. This is called an Inter-Electrode
Capacitance. While carrying an Alternating Current, they charge and
discharge during each half cycle.
• The Charging and discharging time of these inter-electrode capacitors
increase with the voltage between the conductors. Higher the voltage,
longer is the time for charging and discharging.
• The cores of a HV Power Cable retain their charge for a longer time even
after the circuit is de-energised posing a grave risk to anyone who comes
in accidental contact with the conductors after the circuit has been
switched OFF or de-energised.
• It is of paramount importance to ensure that conductors carrying HV
currents are not only switched off but also earthed and the charge held by
them discharged fully before allowing anyone to come in contact with the
conductors.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 “Self” & “Mutual” inductances

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 HV inductances

 A large amount of self-induced and mutually-

induced voltages in inductive loads eg.
Motor& Transformer windings, take time to
discharge these voltages even after switching
OFF the supply and pose a safety risk similar
to inter-electrode capacitances

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Arcing

• An unintentional Electric Arc occurs

• During opening of a breaker, contactor or switch,
when the circuit tries to maintain itself in the form of
an arc
• During an insulation failure, when current flows to
ground or any other short circuit path in the form of
an arc.
• Accidental tool slipping between conducting
surfaces, causing a short circuit.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Results of an Electric Arc

• Temperatures at the arc terminals can reach

or exceed 35,000 degrees F or four times the
temperature of sun’s surface.
• The heat and intense light at the point of arc
is called the ARC FLASH.
• Air surrounding the arc is instantly heated and
the conductors are vaporised causing a
pressure wave termed as ARC BLAST.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Hazards of an “arc flash”

• During an arc flash, sudden release of large amounts

of heat and light energy takes place at the point of
arc.
• Exposure frequently results in a variety of serious
injuries and may even be fatal, even when the
worker is ten feet or more from the arc center.
• Equipments can suffer permanent damage
• Nearby inflammable materials may be ignited
resulting in secondary fires

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 A Typical Arc Flash

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Victim of an Arc Flash

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 A Typical “Arc Blast”

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Reinforced Doors in HV Swbd.
To counter effects of Arc Blast

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Pressure Relief Flaps in HV Breaker cubicle

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Hazards of Arc Blasts
& ejected materials
• An arc flash may be accompanied by an arc blast
• The arc blast causes equipment to literally explode
ejecting parts with life threatening force.
• Heated and vaporised conducting materials
surrounding the arc expand rapidly causing effects
comparable to an explosive charge.
• As conductors vaporise, they may project molten
particles causing eye injuries.
• The sound that ensues can harm the hearing

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Potential Injuries
• At some distance from the arc, temperatures are often high enough to instantly
destroy skin and tissue. Skin temperatures above 205F for 0.1sec result in
irreversible tissue damage, defined as an incurable burn.
• Heated air and molten materials from arc faults cause ordinary clothing to burst
into flames even if not directly in contact with the arc. Synthetic fibers may melt
and adhere to the skin resulting in secondary burns.
• Even when safety goggles are worn, arc flash may cause severe damage to vision
and or blindness. Intense UV light created by arc flash can damage the retina.
Pressure created from arc blasts can also compress the eye, severely damaging
vision.
• Hearing can also be affected by the loud noise and extreme pressure changes
created by arc blasts. Sound blasts with arc blasts exceed 140dB which is equal to
an airplane taking off. Sudden pressure changes exceeding 720lbs/sq.ft for 400ms
can also rupture eardrums. Even at lesser pressure, serious or permanent damage
to hearing may occur.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Flash Protection Boundaries
• Defined as a safe approach distance from energised
equipment or parts, NFPA 70E defines the following 3 shock
protection boundaries, the boundaries increasing with the
System Voltage
1. Limited approach Boundary (36” for 500V)
2. Restricted Approach Boundary (12” for 500V)
3. Prohibited Approach Boundary ( 1” for 500V)
• To cross the above boundaries, one has to wear prescribed
level of PPE meant for that boundary. (Gloves, Face shield,
eye protection, ear protection, insulating blanket etc…)

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Flash Protection Boundaries

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Flash Protection warning on Panels
prone to Arc Flash

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 A Typical HV Switchboard
Breaker – Earthing Sw interlocks

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 A HV Breaker Cubicle

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 A Typical HV Breaker cubicle

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 A HV Breaker Cubicle – ABB make

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 HV Circuit Breaker

• HV Circuit Breakers may be

Air-Break (scarcely used)
Oil-Break (not used in ships)
Gas-Break (being superceded)
Vacuum-Break (Most Popular)

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 SF6 Gas

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 SF6- Effects on human beings

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 SF6 Breaker
Arrangement per Phase

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 SF6 Gas Pressure Indication

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Advantages & Disadvantages
of using SF6 Breakers

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Vacuum Circuit Breaker
Arrangement per Phase

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Contact Material
• The properties of a vacuum interrupter depend largely on the material
and form of the contacts.
• An oxygen free copper chromium alloy is the best material for high
voltage circuit breaker. In this alloy, chromium is distributed through
copper in the form of fine grains.
• This material combines good arc extinguishing characteristic with a
reduced tendency to contact welding and low chopping current when
switching inductive current.
• The use of this special material is that the current chopping is limited to 4
to 5 Amps.
• Due to the very low arc energy, the rapid movement of the arc root over
the contact and the fact that most of the metal vapour re-condenses on
the contact, contact erosion is extremely small.
• No additional extinguishing medium is required. A vacuum at a pressure
of 13.33 milli Pascal is an almost ideal extinguishing medium.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Type of Discharge during
Contact Separation

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 VCB – Arc Quenching

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Arc Rotation in VCB

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Advantages of Using a
Vacuum Breaker
• Contact separation (travel) in a breaker is inversely
proportional to the Dielectric strength of the medium in
which the contacts separate.
• Vacuum has a high Dielectric Strength and ensures
– Shorter Contact Travel due to the High Dielectric Strength of the
vacuum and
– A shorter Arcing time resulting in lower arc energy.
• The above features ensure the following
– Compact quiet unit
– Minimizing size of breaker
– Non-flammable and non-toxic
– Contacts suffer lesser wear thereby ensuring longer life of the breaker

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 VCB - Disadvantages

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Vacuum Checker

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Vacuum Checking
Applying Test voltage across contact

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Vacuum Checking
• Vacuum Checking
- Put the breaker in TEST position
– Keep the breaker in OFF position
– Apply suitable test voltage across the
contacts in open position
– If the pointer is in the Green zone, the
vacuum is intact and the breaker can be used
– If the pointer is in Red zone, the breaker is
not to be used for operation
ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -
 Gap Gauge

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Checking Contact Erosion
by Gap Gauge

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Checking Contact Erosion
by Gap Gauge

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Working in live zone

• All work activity in which the worker enters the

vicinity of live zone with his body or with tools and
eqpt. without encroaching in to live zone.

• Using the correct personal protective equipment

(PPE) and following safe work practices will
minimize risk of electrical shock hazards

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Dead Working

• Work activity on electrical installations which are

neither live nor charged, carried out after taking all
measures to prevent electrical danger.
PRECAUTIONS BEFORE STARTING WORK
• Obtain PTW/Sanction- to- Test Permit before
commencing work
• Test and prove that the equipment is DEAD before
earthing. (with a HV line tester)
• Earth the equipment

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 General Informations
PERMIT TO WORK
• Issued by an authorised person to a
responsible person who will perform the task
of repair/maintenance
• Generally valid only for 24-Hrs. Permit to be
re-validated by the permit-holder if work
extends beyond 24 Hrs. after issue
• Formats will vary and be customized for a
particular vessel/marine installation.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 PTW – Broad Guidelines
• Prepared in Carbon-copied Duplicate and has atleast five
sections.
• FIRST section states the nature of work to be carried out.
• SECOND section declares where electrical isolation and
earthing have been applied and where Danger /Caution
notices have been displayed.
• THIRD section is signed by the Person receiving the Permit
acknowledging that he is satisfied with the safety precautions
taken and the Isolation/Earthing measures adopted.
• FOURTH section is signed by the Permit-holder that the work
has been completed/suspended.
• FIFTH Section is signed by the Issuing authority cancelling the
Permit.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 A Typical PTW Format
PERMIT No. 007 M.V.DHANSINGH DATE: 01/04/08
ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT
NATURE OF WORK
Overhauling of forward Bow Thruster Motor
SAFETY PROVISIONS
Breaker in MSB Switched off and Plugged out.
Breaker controls locked out and DANGER Tags Provided
DATE 01/04/08 SIGNATURE OF ISSUING AUTHORITY
TIME 12:00 NAME & DESIGNATION
PERMIT ACCEPTANCE
Safety Provisions checked and found Satisfactory
DATE 01/04/08 SIGNATURE OF ISSUING AUTHORITY
TIME 12:15 NAME & DESIGNATION
STATUS OF WORK
Job Completed
Breaker to be Plugged in and made ready for use.
DATE 02/04/08 SIGNATURE OF ISSUING AUTHORITY
TIME 10:00 NAME & DESIGNATION
DATE 02/04/08 All Safety Provisions Removed
TIME 10:15 Breaker Plugged in and ready for use
Permit cancelled
SIGN OF PERMIT HOLDER SIGNATURE OF ISSUING AUTHORITY
NAME & DESIGNATION NAME & DESIGNATION

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Breaker in “Test” Position

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Sanction-to-Test
Safety Certificate
• When it is required to Test a HV equipment
using LV control supply, it will be necessary to
isolate the equipment from the main HV
supply but remove the earthing.
• In these circumstances, a Sanction-to-test
safety certificate is to be obtained from the
authorised person

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 HV Line Tester

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Portable Earthing Connectors

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 IR Tests on HV Equipment

• A 5000 VDC Megger, Hand-cranking or Electronic can be used for

equipments uto 6.6KV.
• For routine testing of IR, 5000 VDC must be applied for 1 minute either by
cranking at constant speed with a Hand-cranking megger or by
maintaining a 5000 VDC continuously by a PB in an Electronic Megger.
• IR values taken at different temperatures are unreliable, particularly if the
temperature differences are more than 10 degrees.
• At prescribed intervals and particularly after a major repair work on an
equipment or switchgear, a Polarisation Index(PI) may be taken to assess
the condition of insulation of the equipment. PI readings are less sensitive
to temperature changes.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -

 Polarization Index (PI)

• When the routine IR value tests (taken at different

temperatures) are doubtful or during annual refit or
after major repairs are undertaken, a PI test is
conducted.
• PI value is the ratio between the IR value recorded
after application of the test voltage continuously for
10 minutes to the value recorded after 1 minute of
application.
• A PI value of 2.0 or more is considered satisfactory.
• A motor-driven megger is essential for carrying out a
PI test.

ETHIOPIA MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTE CHAPTER -