Ship Emergency Generator | Learn the Starting Procedure | Avoid Blackouts

Ship Emergency Generator | Learn the Starting Procedure | Avoid Blackouts

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Emergency Power on Board Ship
3. Components of Emergency TG Room 3.1 Emergency Generator 3.2 Emergency Switchboard 3.3 Emergency Feeder Panels 3.4 Emergency Generator Starting Batteries 3.5 Battery Charger 3.6 Diesel Oil Tank 3.7 Tank Level Indicator and Alarms 3.8 Step Down Transformer 3.9 Fire Extinguisher and Escape Device
4. Starting the Emergency Generator Manually 4.1 Starting with Batteries 4.2 Starting with Hydraulic System
5. Critical Equipment Connected to Emergency Switchboard
6. Maintenance and Checks
7. Conclusion

The Importance of Emergency Power on Board Ship

Having a reliable emergency power supply system is crucial for any vessel as it ensures the safety and functionality of critical equipment in the event of a power outage or blackout. Onboard ships, power cuts can occur due to various reasons, such as electrical or mechanical failures. In such cases, the ship can become completely dead, putting the crew, passengers, and the vessel itself at risk. To overcome this situation, emergency power systems are installed, and one of the key components is the Emergency TG Room.

Components of the Emergency TG Room

The Emergency TG Room is a designated space aboard the ship that houses all the necessary equipment to provide emergency power in case of a blackout. This room contains several important components that work together to ensure a continuous power supply. Let's take a closer look at these components:

1. Emergency Generator: The emergency generator is the heart of the emergency power system. It is specifically designed to start quickly and provide power to critical equipment until the main power is restored.

2. Emergency Switchboard: The emergency switchboard is responsible for distributing power from the emergency generator to various circuits and equipment on board the ship.

3. Emergency Feeder Panels: There are two types of feeder panels in the Emergency TG Room: 220V feeder panel and 440V feeder panel. These panels supply power to emergency lights, navigation systems, public address systems, control panels, and other critical equipment.

4. Emergency Generator Starting Batteries: The emergency generator starting batteries are essential for starting the emergency generator manually. These batteries should be regularly tested to ensure their capacity and the battery charger should be checked to ensure proper charging.

5. Battery Charger: The battery charger is responsible for charging the emergency generator starting batteries. Its proper functioning is crucial to ensure the availability of charged batteries at all times.

6. Diesel Oil Tank: The emergency generator requires diesel as fuel to generate power. The diesel oil tank in the Emergency TG Room stores an adequate quantity of fuel to supply the generator for a specific duration.

7. Tank Level Indicator and Alarms: The tank level indicator provides information about the fuel level in the diesel oil tank. Low-level and high-level alarms are installed to alert the crew in case of a decrease or increase in the fuel level.

8. Step Down Transformer: The step-down transformer converts the generated 440 volts to 220 volts, which is the standard voltage required by most critical equipment.

9. Fire Extinguisher and Escape Device: In case of emergencies such as a fire, a dry powder portable X fire extinguisher is available in the emergency generator room. Additionally, an emergency escape breathing device is provided to facilitate the escape of personnel in case of smoke or lack of oxygen.

Starting the Emergency Generator Manually

In the event of a power blackout, the emergency generator can be started manually using two different methods: starting with batteries or starting with a hydraulic system.

1. Starting with Batteries: To start the emergency generator with batteries, the mode button on the generator's control panel is pressed to switch to manual mode. After that, the start button is pressed for at least three seconds to initiate the starting process. Once the generator starts, the voltage generated is checked, and the lever is pulled out to close the ACB (Air Circuit Breaker) and connect the generator to the emergency switchboard for power distribution.

2. Starting with Hydraulic System: If the batteries are unable to start the generator, the hydraulic system can be used as an alternative. The hydraulic pressure gauge is checked to ensure it is above the required level. The fuel solenoid valve is manually activated by pressing the knob inside, and then the red lever is pulled down until the generator starts. Similar to starting with batteries, the ACB is closed, and the generator starts supplying power to the critical equipment.

Critical Equipment Connected to Emergency Switchboard

The Emergency TG Room supplies power to numerous critical equipment on board the ship. These include emergency lights, navigation lights, public address systems, navigation consoles, cargo hold smoke detection systems, turbine control panels, anti-heeling systems, fire detection systems, loading computers, GM DSS consoles, and more. It is essential to have these equipment connected to the emergency switchboard to maintain control and ensure safety during blackouts.

Maintenance and Checks

Proper maintenance and regular checks are essential to ensure the reliability of the emergency generator and associated equipment. The battery capacity of the starting batteries should be confirmed, and the charger should be tested to verify its proper functioning. Additionally, monthly emergency generator load tests are conducted to validate its performance. It is crucial to follow recommended procedures and reposition the emergency generator into auto mode after manual testing.

Conclusion

The Emergency TG Room plays a critical role in providing emergency power on board ships during blackouts. With components such as the emergency generator, switchboard, starting batteries, and feeder panels, it ensures the availability of power to vital equipment. The proper maintenance and smooth operation of the emergency power system are essential for the safety and functionality of the ship. By having a reliable emergency power supply, ships can mitigate the risks associated with power outages and ensure the smooth operation of critical systems.