Rolls-Royce has expanded its marine power portfolio with a standardized range of variable-speed mtu generator sets based on the Series 2000 engine platform.
Designed for ferries, crewboats, offshore supply vessels, patrol boats and other vessels with space and weight constraints, the new gensets will be available in 8V, 10V, 12V and 16V configurations. Electrical output ranges from 650 to 1,850 kWe.
The generator sets operate at speeds ranging from approximately 1,200 to 2,450 rpm, depending on the engine model. By adjusting engine speed to match power demand, the units can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 15% compared with fixed-speed gensets, according to Rolls-Royce. The company said the units also operate approximately 6 dB quieter than conventional generator sets.
“With our new offering, we provide an industry-wide advantage by offering variable-speed generators that cover a very wide power range — we offer 8V, 10V, 12V, and 16V models,” said Lukas Köhler, senior vice president of global marine and mining at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. “This allows us to offer our customers a generator for every project that is optimally sized and highly efficient.”
The compact Series 2000 units are designed for diesel-electric and hybrid propulsion systems. They can serve as range extenders and power boosters aboard hybrid vessels or provide emergency propulsion power aboard battery-electric vessels.
Rolls-Royce already supplies variable-speed Series 4000 gensets for workboats, while Series 2000 engines are used in diesel-electric yacht applications.
“Even ships with battery- or electric-powered main propulsion systems benefit from the reliability and efficiency of mtu’s variable-speed gensets,” Köhler said. “In combination with our modern mtu internal combustion engines, which can run on sustainable fuels, they support the trend toward ship electrification and the maritime energy transition.”
Rolls-Royce said the new generator sets also offer extended time-between-overhaul intervals and lower maintenance costs.
