Arc flash Detection Solution for MV Marine Switchgear

Ship power supply systems are susceptible to arc faults due to their compact layouts and concentrated equipment. To enhance the safety of these systems, arc flash protection relays are frequently employed to provide rapid protection for medium-voltage electrical switchgear within ship power grids. This technology enables the swift isolation of faults in the early stages of a short-circuit arc, thereby minimizing the damage caused by the arc flash event.

Client’s Arc Flash Detection Needs

A shipping company’s offshore wind power installation platform features three medium-voltage distribution boards. Bus section A has two generator feeders and one contactor compartment; bus section B has two generator feeders and two contactor compartments; and bus section C has two generator feeders and one contactor compartment.

Unlike onshore power distribution systems, shipboard electric propulsion systems have distinct characteristics: multiple power sources (several generator feeders), predominantly ring-structured cable connections (numerous transverse connections like bus tie switches and jumper switches), and dynamic power flow (the direction of energy flow within the ship’s power system is adjusted using bus tie switches and jumper switches as needed to maintain continuous power supply).

To ensure the safe, stable, and reliable operation of the ship’s power plant, this client needs the installation of an arc flash protection relay to monitor for busbar arc faults.

Blue Jay Arc Flash Detection Solution for MV Marine Switchgear

The medium-voltage switchboard of the ship needs to monitor the arc signal of the busbar room of each cabinet, collect the incoming current of the two generators of the A section bus and a group of contact currents, the incoming current of the two generators of the B section bus and two groups of contact currents, and the incoming current of the two generators of the C section bus and a group of contact currents.

Our AFR-M busbar arc protection relay can fully meet the needs of this project. The specific configuration and function matching are as follows:

Since the AFR-M arc relay supports the collection of 4 groups of 3-phase currents and supports 20-way arc signal monitoring, that is, the incoming current, contact current and arc signal of the generator of each section bus can be collected by one AFR-M, so the arc protection configuration scheme of this project is: configure one AFR-M arc relay for each section bus, and place an arc probe in the busbar room of each cabinet.

Blue Jay AFR-M Busbar Arc Flash Relay

up to 48 channels for arc sensors

High accuracy Current & light sensing

Upstream circuit breaker tripping, Zone & Tie breaker tripping

The arc protection logic is: after the AFR-M arc relay receives the arc signal transmitted by the arc optical fiber (collected by the arc probe), it combines the incoming line or contact current increment, and acts to trip the incoming cabinet and contact cabinet switch of this section bus.

Additional advantages of our Marine Arc flash detection solution

RS485 + Ethernet dual communication mode, compatible with Modbus and IEC60870-5-103, easy to access the existing ship monitoring system.
9 independent relay outputs can flexibly configure tripping, alarm, locking, and other control strategies.
Wide power input range AC/DC 85~265V, adapted to the characteristics of on-site power supply on ships.
Excellent EMC protection level, in line with GB/T14598 series standards, adapted to harsh marine environments.

Our arc flash protection devices are suitable for medium voltage distribution systems on ships and can be used for arc flash protection of medium and low voltage distribution boards on various types of ships. Don’t leave your crew and vessel at arc flash risk. Free Enquiry today to schedule arc flash relays and ensure the safety and compliance of your ship’s electrical systems.

Basic Knowledge about Marine Switchgear Arc Flash Detection

1. Why does Marine Switchgear need an arc flash relay?

Ensure safety at sea or protect the Crew and Equipment, such as Ship Electrical Panels, from arc flash damage.

2. Which types of marine switchgear use arc flash protection relays?

Available for all marine switchgear, including Low-voltage/Medium-voltage/High-voltage Marine Switchgear, Power Distribution Marine Switchgear, Control-system Marine Switchgear, Main Marine Switchgear, Ships Electrical Marine Switchgear, etc.

3. Why choose Blue Jay arc flash relay for your Marine Switchgear?

We can provide fast and reliable arc fault protection for personnel and equipment. Our arc flash relay can help mv marine switchgear customers limit costly damages and minimize downtime after an arc incident.