Exploiting shaft generators to improve ship efficiency

Shaft generator (SG) systems have been exploited for long due to several appealing advantages they present. This type of generators is installed at the shaft of the main propulsion diesel engine while they are capable of operating as propulsion engine boosting devices if suitable power electronics are used. In this paper an effort is made to provide a comprehensive analysis of shaft generator role in ship power system efficiency improvement in relation with ship operation optimization point of view. Special reference is made to the interdependence of SG with power management system as they alter the operation point of both propulsion engine and the electrical generators affecting the optimal operating point.