As part of the HEMEXPO sustainability spotlight series for association members, we speak to EMMIS SA about how the company is supporting the shipping industry’s green transition.
Please can you share what your company is doing to support shipping’s green transition?
EMMIS MARINE designs and manufactures a range of marine transformers that make electrical systems more efficient by reducing distribution losses and energy consumption. Its portfolio includes the advanced, type-approved MAR/TC – a three-phase, low-voltage marine transformer that has been designed with an emphasis on innovation.
Available in a power range of 5–1,600 kVA and with protection level IP23, the MAR/TC incorporates technological features that differentiate it from similar products.
How do these solutions help to improve a ship’s sustainability credentials?
MAR/TC achieves significant energy savings due to its smart enclosure design, internal ventilation openings, and special high-current cable terminals for avoiding thermal losses.
EMMIS MARINE uses some of the most sophisticated and specialised software programs in designing its transformers, resulting in significantly greater precision and reliability compared to the "empirical methods" that are commonly relied on in the market.
We test alternative calculations based on the simulation before the product enters the production line, examining all parameters and possible combinations so that the necessary adjustments are made to optimise the manufacturing method for minimising energy losses.
Minimisation of thermal losses
Energy losses arise as a result of the heat generated during the operation of a transformer. EMMIS MARINE incorporates special air duct between the windings to minimise thermal losses by allowing unhindered and continuous heat dissipation, using innovative winding techniques based on modern production methods.
Minimisation of iron losses
Overall energy losses can be further reduced by minimising iron losses, using very-low-loss grain-oriented silicon sheet (core). The application of innovative core assembly methods complements the result of iron loss minimisation. Consequently, the quality of the silicon sheet chosen directly affects a transformer’s energy losses and operating costs.
Please outline the energy savings that can be achieved when these solutions are installed.
Designing for low thermal losses (i.e. low operating temperature) maximises the lifetime of the transformer's insulating materials – and thus of the transformer itself. Since stress on the insulators is directly related to the operating temperature, the malfunction or destruction of a transformer is the result of a reduction in the insulating capacity of these materials.
By applying innovative winding techniques, EMMIS MARINE creates special air ducts between the coils to ensure the free dissipation of the heat and the low operating temperature of its transformers. In addition, the use of a low-loss core means that energy losses can be as low as 1%.
Has your company taken steps to ‘green’ its own supply chain?
EMMIS MARINE will soon move to a new privately owned facility where our sustainability approach will be further demonstrated. There, we will strengthen our green supply chain measures across all areas of our business – more details will be unveiled soon.