Land Based System Test and Emulation

Marine System

Overview

The Marine Power Test Facility (MPTF) is the only commercial, land-based facility globally that is capable of full-scale testing of complete integrated naval power and propulsion systems up to 20MW. The facility de-risks present and future power and propulsion technologies ahead of trials.

With full-scale system validation, the emphasis is on system integration issues and interfaces, not just individual equipment stand-alone performance. That includes testing and emulating third party equipment alongside equipment. The facility to do this at full scale and load emulation adds value and can reduce schedules and costs by putting equipment through its paces ahead of ship-fit and sea trials.

Extensive lifecycle capabilities

New power and energy technology demonstration, including new ‘clean ship’ technologies.
High power equipment proving and design validation
Pre-production validation, endurance and type testing
Full scale system validation, emphasis on system integration issues and not just individual equipment stand-alone performance.
Training for crews on real equipment
Technology insertion, upgrades and obsolescence services
Post-production work
Fault finding and diagnostics
N&V testing

Selected for major programs

The power test facility was originally conceived out of the Electric Ship Technology Demonstrator (ESTD) in 2001 to provide de-risking for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) concepts for Naval platforms. Over the past 14 years the capability of the facility has grown to become a key asset in de-risking all aspects of Marine power and propulsion technologies and other industries for us and our customers. GE Vernova is a world leader in designing, providing, and running land based marine test facilities and four quadrant propulsion load emulators. Some of the most onerous tests yet undertaken on a marine power system have been performed by GE Vernova on this site, including full HV and LV short circuits, bad synchronizations of 20MW prime movers and full power ahead to astern crash reversals on full scale ship fit equipment. With full power systems and emulators for HV IFEP systems, hybrid, PTO/PTI, energy storage, DC and other common architectures within the portfolio. Alongside other activities the facility presently provides a key role in supporting key Maritime platforms with dedicated test beds for the major naval ship programs including, QE Class Aircraft Carrier, Type 45, Type 26, Tide Class tankers and future submarines.

Test Facility Infrastructure includes:

Power and Generation

Diesel Generators, large grid supply, rotary, and static frequency converters. (Infrastructure for GT’s), Prime mover dynamic emulators.

Electrical Distribution

HV and LV from 33KV, 11kV, 4160 V, 800 –High voltage VDC 690V and 440 VAC 50 and 60Hz supplies along with capability to provide other supplies to meet specific application needs.

Propulsion and Motor Drive Train Systems

From a 20 MW Advanced Induction Motor through to the smallest motors.

Electrification

20MW VDM25000 15 phase Naval Converter, other Medium Voltage VSI’s through to a range of multi-MW LV AFE MV3000 Converters and other power electronic conversion systems.

Loads

The facility hosts an impressive array of load capabilities including over 30MW worth of permanently installed load banks, both resistive , reactive, and dynamic. Alongside this, the facility hosts Four Quadrant Load (4QL) emulators to mimic required propulsion characteristics as if the system were at sea. With the capability to adapt and re-configure to suit various other testing needs.

Automation

Plant-wide automation system and control rooms, alongside dedicated fast data acquisition systems for a wide range of plant control, monitoring, and analysis needs. With the capability to incorporate third party automation systems specific to the system under test.

Other Features

Capability to dissipate up to 20MW in existing site cooling system, large diesel tankage, HP snf LP air, 80MW gas supply available, oil and grease storage and overhead crane facility. office space, meeting rooms and welfare facilities.