19-01-2023

An electric motor with 8 customer-specific modifications

This assignment made Kolmer’s heart beat faster. All departments worked together on this like a well-lubricated machine. A loyal customer ordered 8 electric motors with no less than 8 customer-specific modifications to each and every one of them.
This concerned electric motors that are used to drive bow thrusters on ships.

According to our customer, high-quality requirements are in order here. This is why, in most cases, 2 motors are installed. One real-time motor and a back-up motor.

These 8 modifications and a DNV test have two specific purposes; signalling and control once the motor (bow thruster) is active. This would accommodate for an emergency stop and/or crash move if a situation occurs during which the ship must be able to veer/manoeuvre, stop and/or accelerate.

Basis: progressive 3SIEL 112M-6A 3kW electric motor

Here, we selected a progressive 3SIEL 112M-6A 3kW electric motor as a basis, to then apply the modifications listed below:

1. New shafts. For the shafts we used C45 steel. This shaft has a larger diameter and is longer than the standard shaft. Specifically intended for the brake and equipped with a customer-specific encoder, the so-called Wachendorf Encoder (a sensor positioned on the shaft).

2. Two standstill heating units, one at the front, one at the back. This to evenly counter the formation of condensation when operated only briefly.


3. Micro switch on brake. To measure whether the brake has been released or not. This is indicated by a signal (LED/light) sent to the operating panel in the wheelhouse.



4. Ten swivels instead of the, on average, 3 swivels. We used EMC swivels for the power supply. This to counter RFI (radio frequency interference) radiation.

5. Forced cooling by means of an additional fan with its own control terminal box. As the steering gear (bow thrusters) often runs at a low speed, each motor is equipped with its own independent cooling system. In this way the temperature of the motor will remain constant. A separate control terminal box has been mounted on the fan cap of this totally enclosed fan-cooled system.


6. Totally enclosed fan-cooled system connected to a Steinmetz circuit. The Steinmetz allows the motor to run on 1-phase 230 volts. Other voltages these multifunctional totally enclosed fan-cooled systems allow for are: 3 x230VD or 3x400VY

7. B5 flange connection with smaller holes than usual. This was required for the customer-specific mounted reducer. Flange holes normally have a 15mm diameter, these measure 13mm.

8. Cabling according to customer data sheets. Cabling and connecting components can be executed in various ways. In this particular case, we worked according to a pre-determined manual/data sheet, as per the customer's wishes.

Certificates

In addition, the motors were tested and audited to obtain the DNV (Det Norske Veritas) ship hallmark. This certificate declares that the motor was tested and audited according to the requirements set by this ship classification. Part of this process is an extensive motor heat-run test based on associated motor and manufacturer documentation.

Do you need a special, fully customised, motor? Or are you in dire need of a standard motor? Get in touch. +31 (0)341 369696 e-mail info@kolmer.nl

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