{"id":1863,"date":"2011-01-17T17:02:15","date_gmt":"2011-01-17T17:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/zukenblog.wpengine.com\/?p=1863"},"modified":"2023-05-12T12:41:16","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T16:41:16","slug":"how-to-simplify-electrical-system-integration-within-electrical-marine-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zuken.com\/us\/blog\/how-to-simplify-electrical-system-integration-within-electrical-marine-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Simplify Electrical System Integration within Electrical Marine Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you don\u2019t work in the marine industry, you might not be aware of the extent of technical advancements that have been taking place in the sector over recent years. This has resulted in a massive increase in project complexity which has created many challenges for the people in charge of electrical system integration.<\/p>\n

Traditional methods are really struggling with these demands – you\u2019d have to be Einstein to deal with this complexity using only pen and paper. The upshot is that\u00a0engineers (if they haven\u2019t already done so), are being forced to rethink their design processes and environments. They can no longer rely on pen and paper, or a generic CAD system for creating the complex electrical systems in today\u2019s marine applications.<\/p>\n

But no need to jump ship, electrical design software that may have more traditionally excelled in machinery and automotive applications can also be used in marine projects too \u2013 yes I\u2019m talking about E\u00b3.series<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Background – The sources of the complexity<\/h2>\n

The extensive use of automated computer control systems for machinery controls, navigation, radars and passenger\/crew safety systems, along with the return to electric propulsion systems, are the source of this complexity and call for fully integration management onboard.<\/p>\n

The majority of all vessels now need some form of electrical integration, which is magnified as the size and complexity of the vessel increases. In addition, equipment is likely to be sourced from multiple suppliers often working to different standards that need to communicate\u2014 and be connected together\u2014all this involves complex cabling networks and panel design.<\/p>\n

The increase in electrical power required to feed all these applications has also spurred a rise in higher voltages being transported around the vessel, so cabling needs to perform to the highest of safety standards.<\/p>\n

If that wasn\u2019t enough, these compatibility, consistency and new technology challenges have driven the rise in international standards, which require full traceability and documentation of electrical systems too.<\/p>\n

Overcoming the electrical issues<\/h2>\n

There are some common issues faced when designing electrical cabling networks onboard, such as<\/p>\n