Electric power supply
The electric power supply is divided in several electric circuits. There is a clean electric circuit for electronic devices and a power conversion network for electric devices. The nautic instruments on the bridge are run via a separate network.
The whole power supply is based on a frequency of 50 Hz and a total wattage of 4400 kW. Out of this 390 kW are maintained for the clean network.
Electric energy is produced via two shaft generators while being at sea, otherwise via two ancillary diesel generator sets.
Electric networks of RV Polarstern:
- 660 Volt, 50 Hz
- 380/220 Volt, 50Hz
- 380/220 Volt / 50Hz via converter for laboratories and nautic instruments
- 24 Volt continuous current
All functional spaces, laboratories and bunk rooms are equipped with 220 Volt electrical sockets highlighted in red, which are supplied by the clean network and additionally are buffered by two uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) with 120 kVA electric capacity each. Inside ship the sockets are of type CEE 7/3. The corresponding plugs need to be of type CEE 7/4 or CEE 7/7 (international type "F", German acronym "Schuko"). Outside ship there are also IP44 protected sockets of type CEE, following norm IEC 60309 / DIN EN 60309. The blue cases covers 3 pins (L+N+PE,6h)
Computers and sensitive scientific instruments can be connected to the protected network using the sockets highlighted in red, the two UPS ensuring an undisturbed and buffered power supply.
Other consumer especially those belonging to the machinery are connected to the 380 Volt network. The red coloured sockets for 380 Volt three phase provide 16 A (some 32 A, 63 A or 125 A). The corresponding plugs following norm IEC 60309 / DIN EN 60309 and have 5 pins: 3L+N+PE,6h.
Consumers with a high electric consumption are supplied via the 660 Volt network.
There is no dedicated supply for 110 Volt.
In case of emergency all security-relevant consumers are supplied by an emergency generator.
The vessel possesses a shore power supply connector for 1000 A for the normal network and 100 A for the protected network.
Main Control Panel (Photo:M.Hirsekorn)