Testing and Maintenance of Rotating Electrical Machines on Ships #88

Generators and motors produce the electrical power and propulsion needed to move maritime vessels like cruise ships, cargo ships, and tankers. But before any boat leaves a port, all its rotating electrical machines must be in top condition to ensure reliable operation on the high seas.

In this episode, Christian Quell discusses how he and his team ensure the reliable performance of rotating electrical machines on ships. Christian is the co-owner and head of testing at E+A (Elektrotechnik und Aggregatebau), a company based in Bremerhaven, Germany, that specializes in rotating electrical machine testing, diagnostics, repair, and refurbishment for all types of ships.

Christian tells us more about his company and his experience testing rotating electrical machines on ships. He explains how testing generators and motors on ships differs from testing them on land, for example, in an industrial plant. Christian highlights the differences in the testing environments and time constraints and how they make testing on ships more challenging.

Christian also describes the mechanical and electrical insulation tests he and his team perform to assess the condition of machines on ships, when these tests are performed, and how test results are documented. He also explains how he and his team ensure machine repairs are performed efficiently and reliably on a tight schedule.

Interested in this topic? Be sure to listen to a previous episode of Energy Talks: Diagnostic Testing of Rotating Electrical Machines on Cruise Ships #24