The Brest ESID (Defence Infrastructure Service Establishment) has installed a Shore Power System using GE Power Conversion converters at the Port of Brest in France. The system, which is now operational, provides vessels with electric power when they are berthed in port, helping to reduce noise and carbon emissions.
Due to its dynamic power management capability, the system from GE Power Conversion is adaptive, and the conversion systems can be reconfigured automatically according to the requirements of varying ships, without interruption to the power supply.
If a dock needs to draw more power than its allocated converter’s capacity for example, another converter automatically connects to ensure a continuous service. This feature enables the shore power system to be flexible, while also offering further protection and safety. Furthermore, the reconfigurability means that the smart system is able to handle the electrical demands of larger ships. Additionally, the quality and stability of the power supply is vital to ensure there is no unnecessary downtime or maintenance when ships are in port.
“Port power and energy management provide high electrical power availability to the port’s ship customers,” said Eric Cotelle, president of GE Energy Power Conversion France. “The technologies embedded in our converters also help to ensure the high reliability, durability, and long life of the shore power system, which is critical for installations that will need to operate for several decades.”