Page 24: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Apr/May 2013)

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abilities that fsh and sea mammals (especially dolphins, whales, and seals) rely on to hunt and communicate. “Reducing

Perspectives noise and vibration can be a complex engineering challenge, but we are seeing specialists in different areas working together to develop

Vessel noise can interfere with the hearing of fsh some highly innovative and sea mammals, upsetting their hunting and technical solutions,” he communication. Research is being conducted in says. “A lot of subsea order to defne baseline levels of underwater noise.

noise generated by ships can be traced to propellers, but some service manager, Øystein says. “This has led industry players are Skår, the development of to our participation turning their attention the Genfex system was in some interesting to another signifcant driven by the increasing projects within noise and contributor – engine power density of generator vibration.” challenge vibration.” sets. “Over the last In 2008, Pon Power was to perform a lot of Water is an effcient decade, engine output was asked by Siemens to calculations to determine conductor of sound, and has been increasing. As provide generators for a the optimal position and engine and propulsion a result, generators can diesel-electric powered calibration of the mounts, noise is amplifed by a no longer survive the research vessel under isolators, and base frame,” vessel’s hull. Underwater mechanical noise and construction at the she says. “To get it noise results from airborne vibration produced by Jong Shyn Shipyard in right, we relied on other noise, which is generated many of the new, more Taiwan. Ocean Research specialists to arrive at a from the machinery to the powerful diesel engines,” Vessel (ORV) Aerial good solution.” structure of the vessel, he says. “We identifed was ordered by Taiwan Oriantek, a US-based and structure-borne noise, a market for a mounting Ocean Research Institute company specializing which is generated from system that could reduce to monitor sea life and in power train vibration the vibrations of the noise and vibration and perform acoustic surveys and acoustic engineering, machinery to the hull of be fexible enough to and high-resolution provided critical high-end the ship. To minimize work with generators imaging of the seabed, dynamic analysis and this noise, engineers must manufactured by different among other tasks. To layout schematics, consider a broad range of suppliers.” meet standards set by including connections issues, including engine Pon Power developed International Council between engine and and generator mounting a system where the for the Exploration of alternator and related pipe systems, base frames, generator is rigidly the Sea (ICES), the yard work. Jerry Vietinghoff, materials and the position mounted on easily contacted DNV and the a 20-year veteran in of isolators. adjustable chocks, and US-based company, Noise the world of noise and fexible mounts are fxed Control Engineering, vibration, says that the

Propulsion systems between the engine and to work with Siemens two companies have a

One company working base frame. Introduced in to ensure the vessel long working relationship. with noise and vibration 2009, the Genfex concept fulflled the underwater “Oriantek supported Pon is Pon Power Scandinavia, has attracted signifcant noise requirements by Power’s development of a leading distributor of industry interest. “The reducing the vibrations Genfex and has worked

Cat and MaK marine development process and mobility levels of the with Caterpillar on a propulsion systems. In brought us into contact gensets. number of noise and 2008, Pon Power began with a number of noise Jeanette Jonasson, vibration projects over work on a mounting and vibration specialists project manager for Pon the years,” he says. “It system designed to isolate around the world and Power Scandinavia, says is a real advantage to engine vibration of high- has enabled us to carve the company assembled work with familiar faces speed gensets. According out a strong reputation an international team to who know what they are to Pon Power’s area in a growing market,” he get the job done. “Our frst doing.”

OE | April 2013 26 oedigital.com oe_analysis_v2.indd 26 4/1/13 3:01 AM