From GE:

GE Drives Innovation in Naval Engineering as Sponsor of INEC 2016

April 28, 2016

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• GE Published Five Technical Papers at the 13th International Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition (INEC) 2016
• GE is a Global Partner to Many Leading Military Forces around the World

BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM—April 29, 2016—Technology has pushed global military powers to become stronger and more capable. At this year’s International Naval Engineering Conference and Exhibition (INEC), GE’s Marine Solutions business (NYSE: GE) has showcased its extensive capabilities and innovation in naval technologies through the publication of five technical papers. The themes cover from smart product design and system integration to digitalized naval solutions, facilitating dialogue and driving debate on how innovation in naval engineering is continuously steering the industry forward.

1.         Advanced hybrid systems and new integration challenges

We have seen a marked shift for naval ships to adopt a hybrid propulsion system, which offers efficiency, fuel savings and flexibility for varying mission profiles. This paper focuses on the benefits and challenges presented from a combined diesel eLectric or diesel (CODLOD) hybrid system, with lessons learned to address newly arisen challenges.

2.         Developments in shore-based testing to meet latest marine power system integration challenges

As navies continue to look for greater functionality of naval vessels, testing has become more prominent to provide confidence in vessels’ operation readiness. However, the complexity of systems, the functional flexibility and cost pressure have proved a hurdle to deliver a system at an acceptably low risk. This paper mainly discusses the latest development in full-scale shore-based testing (FSSBT) and how it can help to de-risk significant challenges in naval electrical propulsion through maximization of equipment re-usage and platform fidelity.

3.         Moving from planned to condition-based maintenance

This paper explores how analytics can be used to help in predicting the future condition of a vessel’s assets. By enabling condition-based maintenance (CBM), performing maintenance when there is evidence of need, data analytics can potentially reduce downtime and create significant cost savings. The paper covers two key topics, which are necessary in realizing the potential benefits: 1) data collection and centralization, 2) diagnostics of asset health and future prognosis. Considerations for the implementations of CBM, including benefits, challenges and examples are also provided.

4.         Integration, optimization and benefits of energy storage for marine applications

This paper provides an overview of potential applications and describes control strategies used and then considers methods to improve the available technologies related to power system control and protection, diesel engine response to network fluctuations and design of modern E-storage systems. The paper will also present the multiple energy store configuration, the main challenges and top-level topologies considered to meet these requirements.

5.         Earth fault detection and protection for transformer-less active front-end converters

Electric propulsion is preferred for many vessel types due to a number of merits. However, the system is also vulnerable for experiencing the common mode voltage caused by an earth fault, which will consequently bring thermal stress and damage to components. In this paper, a novel detection method based on an equivalent circuit approach will be presented. It is able to identify the earth fault at any location and discriminate the faulty drive. Its implementations and settings of the protection will be suggested, and experimental results will be presented.

“GE is continually setting industry standards and is at the forefront in providing innovative solutions. As a long-term global partner for some of the largest navies in the world, GE’s technology is among the most reliable and advanced available for building the advanced naval capabilities necessary for the 21st century,” said Tim Schweikert, president & CEO, GE’s Marine Solutions business. “GE has also been an active sponsor for the INEC event, one of the foremost professional events in naval engineering. We value the opportunity to connect minds of various leading stakeholders in the military space and drive the debate for building a more reliable and capable future for the navy.”

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About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. For more information, visit the company's website atwww.ge.com.

About GE’s Marine Solutions

GE's Marine Solutions is dedicated to power and propulsion systems for customers in the workboat, merchant, offshore and naval industries. Through smart engineering, coupled with software analytics, we provide customers with data-driven efficiency. Connecting the physical and digital worlds, GE helps power, propel, position and predict the marine industry for operational excellence. www.gemarinesolutions.com