- In conventional power system arrangements, the ship’s propellers are driven by a diesel propulsion engine while the supply of electricity for the other shipboard loads is transmitted via the shipboard generators.
- In electric propulsion systems, the power used to drive the propellers becomes an electrical load meaning that the generators can take care of all shipboard loads.
- As shown in the diagram below, 3 generator-drive engines are referred to as the “ship’s electric power station” supplying power for both propulsion and electrical requirements on board.
