An investment that pays
A frequently heard comment is that a
variable speed diesel-electric drive will be more expensive than a conventional
power train. The reality is that total operating costs are lower. The
initial cost will indeed often be somewhat higher, particularly for the
electrical installation. In contrast, a number of things do not have to
be installed or are cheaper. So a large diesel engine costs more than 2 small
ones together and the benefit of the thruster installations is largely cancelled
out. Also, wear and maintenance of the system, in particular of the generator
sets and the propeller, are significantly more favourable. And the total installed capacity is lowered,
because with the Eprop concept, less power is needed to get the same effective
thrust. Last but not least, that extra investment pays
for itself within 3 years, because overall significant fuel savings can be
realised. On balance,
we can safely say that any higher purchase costs are more than offset by lower
operating costs. Truly a worthwhile investment! |