Comsys is a leading provider of high-reliability power quality systems for the offshore and maritime industries. Through improved power quality, the company aims to improve vessel safety while reducing the environmental impact of its clients’ operations.
Active dynamic filters for the offshore and marine industries
Comsys’ active dynamic filters (ADF) is an active filter that can be installed anywhere on the main busbar. It will keep its total harmonic distortion (THD) level within the class notation limits, allowing the rest of the system to be designed using only highly reliable six-pulse variable-frequency drive (VFD) loads, saving size, weight and complexity.
No heavy phase shifting transformers or unstable front end inverters are needed onboard and by filtering the loads through the main busbar, all systems are independently taken care of.
The ADF active design can not be overloaded and allows remote monitoring and logging of the power quality status onboard, and its footprint can be up to 75% smaller than an 18-pulse system or up to 40% smaller than an active front-end system, which saves deck space, particularly when electric propulsion is implemented.
Weight savings are also significant, especially compared with 18-pulse systems, because no transformer is required.
Harmonics reduction products
Harmonics cause nuisance power tripping, equipment failure, navigation errors and increased fuel consumption.
For these reasons, class notations set limits on harmonics. Power disturbances onboard vessels affect operational safety and energy consumption. Older mitigation solutions generate high-power losses, which directly leads to high-fuel consumption.
Using Comsys’ ADFs, the vessel has the ability to handle a large number of variable loads compensated through central active filtering, while ensuring safer and more dynamic operations.
Power quality solutions on modular sections
Comsys offers modular section solutions, enabling a high-level of adaptability and availability. The standard system design offers n+1, but can be greatly increased by applying various control units with automatic running master functionality. So if one master unit trips, the remaining systems will reconfigure with a new master.
Automatic resonance sensing is designed especially for marine applications, where the power grid’s dynamics are adapted based on the power supply and demand.
Minimising power consumption at offshore locations
Comsys’ ADF system is installed in shunt with the loads, and is sized to compensate only for the disturbances, which comprise between 15% and 25% of the total power. This results in an overall power consumption that is up to 2.3% points less than 18-pulse or active front end drives.
Adaptable ADF architecture for marine applications
The user-friendly web server interface allows easy-to-understand parameterisation, while the unique, self-diagnostic functions enable an easy-to-commission system.
The ADF’s active architecture allows it to adapt to changing loads, making it futureproof.
All systems offered by Comsys are designed for demanding marine conditions, and therefore fulfil relevant industry standards.
About Comsys
Comsys has more than 14 years of experience in power quality. The company customises its services and systems for various applications and installations, and provides a worldwide service through its network of representatives.
Comsys assists clients throughout the production process, which includes commissioning, surveys and crew training, as well as compliance with the industry’s current and future regulations, while improving productivity, saving fuel and reducing the cost of electrical power infrastructure.