Krylov Centre says it is testing the electric propulsion system for LK-60 icebreaker.
The trials are intended to check each individual component and overall functional performance of the electric propulsion system (EPS) made in TSNII SET for the LK-60 icebreaker to confirm that the system fully meets the design specs.
A huge 20 MW propulsion motor weighing over three tons had arrived at Krylov’s electric engineering test facility a few days before the trials. This unique transportation job involved formidable logistic efforts, mobilizing special -purpose cargo handling and lifting equipment. The motor was installed on the test site and connected to all service lines pertinent to the electric propulsion system as required for an inclusive package of tests, which are scheduled to last a few months. The tests will include debugging of the EPS software under realistic operating conditions. These verifications are expected to cut down the duration of start-up and adjustment tests on board the icebreaker to speed up commissioning and delivery of the ship to the Customer.
This is the most powerful marine electric engineering system that has ever been tested in Russia on a land-based facility. The trials commenced at the unique facility of the Krylov Centre are considered as a milestone event for the Russian shipbuilding industry attracting many distinguished visitors.
Among special guests were Mr.V. V. Ruksha and Mr. K.Yu. Knyazevsky, Atomflot executives representing the Customer of the multi-role LK-60 icebreaker. Both were satisfied with the tests and testing capabilities of Krylov’s experimental facility. Prospects for development of tremendous Arctic potential and construction of new icebreakers and ice-going vessels for northern seas were also discussed during this visit.
The test facility was also visited by Mr. A.A. Arkhipov, Surface Ship Designer General. He was demonstrated main operating modes of the icebreaker electric propulsion system.
Another high guest was Mr. R.I. Mistakhov, Director of Ak Bars Shipbuilding Corporation. As a shipbuilder he was particularly interested in the opportunities offered by the experimental facility in testing shipboard electric equipment and systems.
The demonstration tests were also witnessed by high-placed officials of regional administrations, e.g. Mr. A. G. Vasyuta, Minister of Industrial Policy in the Republic of Crimea, and Mr. O.E. Belaventsev, Plenipotentiary for the North Caucasus Federal District. The regional leaders were shown the impressive capabilities of the 40MW electric engineering test facility — the first in its kind in Russia. These meetings and discussions are essential for promoting new business contacts and projects for closer inter-regional cooperation.