SOLAS Requirements
- Emergency generator and ESB should be located above the uppermost continuous deck, not forward of collision of bulkhead.
- MSB or any machinery space should not interface with the supply control and distribution of emergency electrical power.
- ESB should be in some place (space) where Emergency generator is located.
- Driven by suitable prime mover with an independent supply of fuel, having a flash point of not less than 43 C.
- Should be capable of giving power up to the period of 18hrs for cargo ships and 36hrs for passenger ships.
- Emergency generator should be easily started at zero degree and if temp is below this, heating arrangement should be provided.
- Should have automatic starting system
a) Primary (Battery)
- Should be charged fully at all times.
- Dedicated only to start the prime mover.
- Capable of providing 3 consecutive starts.
b) Secondary (Pneumatic or Hydraulic or Battery)
- Capable of providing 3 consecutive start within 30 min.
8. It should comes on load automatically with in 45sec after the failure of main power supply.
9. Should give full rated power, when the ships is upright and when inclined at any angle of list up to 22.5 degree or inclined 10 degree either aft or forward.
10. If fails to come on load, then indication to be given in the ECR.
Survey of Emergency Generator
- Means of starting – Battery & Cranking
- Emergency supply taken from ESB should be checked as receiving their rated voltage, current and frequency where powered from emergency generator.
- Electric interlock arrangement between main and emergency switchboard must be checked.
- Ships emergency battery installation and its charging rectifier will be examined.
- Battery room environment should be dry and well ventilated.
- Battery tops must be clean and free from corrosion.
- Grease all connection with petroleum jelly to avoid oxidation safety notices placed inside.
Emergency Generator Supply
The ESB has two sections, one operating at 440v and the other at 220v. The 440v supply, under normal circumstances is taken from the E/R switchboard through a circuit breaker ‘A’ loss of main power causes this breaker to be tripped and the supply is taken directly by the emergency generator when started, through breaker B. An interlock prevent instantaneous closure of both breakers.
A Special feeder is sometimes fitted so that in a dead ship situation the emergency generator can be connected to the MSB. This special condition breaker would only be closed when the E/R board was cleaned of all load i.e. all distribution breakers was open. Selected machinery within the capacity of the emergency generator can then be operated to restore power, at which stage the special breaker would be disconnected.
Essential Services From 440v section
- Emergency bilge pump
- Emergency fire pump
- Emergency Air Compressor
- Sprinkler pump
- One of two S/G circuit
- A 440v/220v 3phase transformer through which the other section is fed.
Essential Services from 220v section
- Navigation equipment
- Radio communication
- Transformed and rectified supplies to battery system separate sets of batteries are fitted for temporary emergency power and for low pressure d.c. system. The former automatically give supply emergency lights and other services not connected to the low pressure system.
Periodically testing of Emergency generator
Correct functioning of the auto start equipment is important. Regular weekly testing of emergency generator should include simulation of loss of normal power.
Emergency generator should be periodically checked and run up to speed for short test runs to comply with safety regulations. These no load running checks should when practicable, be supplemented by a proper load test. This needs the disconnection of normal mains power supply while the emergency generator is loaded up to its rated value. Only the correct load test will prove the performance of the generator and its prime mover, together with its circuit breaker operation.
Interlock between MSB and ESB
MSB is connected to ESB by tie bus bar through a circuit breaker which has a interlock with emergency generator switchboard. When emergency generator comes on load this tie bus bar circuit breaker remains open so that no load other emergency load can draw power from emergency generator.
Accommodation supply through step down transformer supplying 220v for lighting and fan circuit.
