Vessel Partial Discharge Monitoring for Enhanced Maritime Safety

The PD Doctor is an advanced Partial Discharge (PD) online monitoring system designed to maintain the integrity of electrical networks aboard marine vessels. Installed on the main distribution board bus bar, the PD Doctor continuously monitors partial discharge activity on each of the three phases of the vessel’s electrical system. This system helps identify potential issues related to electrical insulation breakdown, deteriorating switchgear contacts, and internal problems within electrical machinery, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of vessel operations.

How does online partial discharge monitoring system work?

The PD Doctor provides real-time insight into the health of the vessel’s electrical network. By analyzing partial discharge activity, it can detect early signs of insulation deterioration and potential electrical faults. This proactive monitoring allows for timely interventions before minor issues escalate into significant failures, thus preventing costly repairs and downtime.

What is the advantage of having an online monitoring system on a vessel?

On July 21, 2021, the PD Doctor detected a significant issue with the port generator on a vessel. There was a substantial split in partial discharge activity between the three phases, with phase 2 recording much higher values than phases 1 and 3. This imbalance was a clear indicator of potential connection or contact issues within the port generator’s cable connections.

The early detection allowed the crew to perform corrective maintenance, avoiding a possible catastrophic failure. The issue, which could have led to electrical insulation breakdown and potentially an engine room fire, was resolved without requiring the vessel to be taken off-hire. This timely intervention saved the company substantial costs associated with equipment failure, repair, and off-hire time.

How much can you save by monitoring vessel state?

By preventing the port generator’s failure, the PD Doctor system saved the company significant costs. Here’s a breakdown of the potential savings:

• Off-hire time and related costs: $22,000
• Spare parts and labour costs: $52,000
• Potential catastrophic failure costs (including downtime and major repairs): $315,000

Which results in total of $389,000 saved. These savings highlight the financial benefits of using an advanced PD monitoring system like the PD Doctor. Not only did it prevent a critical failure, but it also maintained the vessel’s operational status, ensuring that no additional operational or contractual penalties were incurred.

Conclusion

The PD Doctor has proven to be an essential tool for maintaining the electrical integrity of marine vessels. Its ability to detect early signs of electrical faults and provide actionable insights has prevented costly repairs and downtime. The incident on 21st July 2021 is a testament to the system’s effectiveness, showcasing significant cost savings and reinforcing the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring in the maritime industry.

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