Electrical power distribution system, method for powering a corresponding task, propulsion system and method for a ship

A method of supplying a charge via a system for distributing electrical energy, comprising:

• providing a distribution network, the distribution network including an auxiliary electrical motor being operably connected to a motor shaft driven by a principle heat engine and having a propeller;
• driving, by a plurality of auxiliary heat engines, an assembly of electrical energy generators that supply the distribution network;
• recovering the heat energy generated during the operation of the principle heat engine and the plurality of auxiliary heat engines and vaporizing a working fluid;
• driving, by the working fluid, a steam turbine associated with a generator connected to the distribution network for converting the recovered heat energy into electrical energy and at least one frequency converter arranged between the distribution network and an auxiliary electrical motor, the frequency converter being configured to switch between a fixed frequency of the distribution network and a variable frequency;
• and
• regulating the flow rate of the vaporized working fluid at maximum steam
• such that when pressure at an input of the steam turbine exceeds a predetermined minimum pressure value, a controller facilitates the switch of the frequency converter from the fixed frequency of the distribution network to the variable frequency for supplying energy to the auxiliary electrical motor.

Propulsion system for a ship, comprising:

• a principal heat engine driving a line shafting;
• an auxiliary electrical motor coupled to the line shafting and supplied by an electrical power distribution network, the electrical power distribution network being supplied by a plurality of auxiliary heat engines associated with electrical energy generators;
• a heat exchanger configured for recovering the heat energy generated by the propulsion system and for vaporizing a working fluid;
• a steam turbine (i) configured to receive steam from the heat exchanger, (ii) driven by the working fluid and (iii) associated with a generator connected to the electrical power distribution network for converting the recovered heat energy into electrical energy, and
• a controller configured for regulating the flow rate of the vaporized working fluid to a maximum value;
• and
• at least one frequency converter arranged between the electrical power distribution network and an auxiliary electrical motor, the frequency converter being in operable connection with the controller;
• wherein the frequency converter is configured to switch between a fixed frequency of the electrical power distribution network and a variable frequency;
• and
• wherein, when pressure at an input of the steam turbine exceeds a predetermined minimum pressure value, the controller facilitates the switch of the frequency converter from the fixed frequency of the electrical power distribution network to the variable frequency for supplying energy to the auxiliary electrical motor.