Types of Ship Power Supplies and SOLAS Requirements
In a ship's electrical system, the power supply has multiple functions, including main engine start-up, emergency power, auxiliary power supply, power load balancing, and backup power, serving as the ship's energy source. Ship power supplies are specifically categorized into the main power supply, emergency power supply, and communication backup power supply. SOLAS sets different standards and requirements for various types of ship power supplies.
Overview
Types of Ship Power Supplies
Main Power Supply: Provided by the ship's auxiliary engines, supplying daily electricity needs (including all radio and ancillary equipment).
Emergency Power Supply: Supplies power to critical equipment on the ship when the main power supply fails.
Communication Backup Power Supply: Independent of the ship's propulsion and electrical systems, it provides power to communication equipment, ancillary devices, and lighting when both main and emergency power supplies fail.
SOLAS Requirements for Ship Power Supplies
During normal navigation, the main power supply must power all radio equipment and their ancillary devices.
The main power supply must charge any batteries used by the backup power supply.
The backup power supply must be independent of the ship's propulsion and electrical systems.
Except for VHF equipment, if the backup power supply is connected to other radio equipment, its power duration and capacity must meet the aforementioned requirements. When connected to only one device, it should be calculated based on the highest power requirement.
The backup power supply must provide power to electrical lighting equipment.
The backup power supply’s charging equipment must recharge the backup power to its minimum capacity within 10 hours.
