Main engine protection failure. Troubleshooting

Greetings! Today we have a problem with the main engine, all protections have failed, an alarm has appeared on the BMS-2000III panel - “EPS Power Failure”. In this article we will figure out what this alarm is and how to fix this problem.

First of all, you need to understand what “EPS Power Failure” means, for this we refer to the instructions. EPS is the Engine Protecting System for the main engine. The power supply for this system has failed.

UPS fail. Main engine automatic backup does not work. Kongsberg Troubleshooting

The UPS fail error occurred and the final system for protecting the main engine against automatic power failure failed. A BMS AC220V UPS FAIL alarm appeared on the alarm monitoring system in the ECR. BMS - Bridge maneuvering system.

BMS AC220V UPS FAIL

In simple words, the uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which is designed for the normal operation of the automatic control system of the main engine during the transition of the ship's electrical station from main to emergency power, has stopped working.

Preventive maintenance of the bridge manoeuvring system

The bridge manoeuvring system does not require maintenance due to its design, yet it would be an advantage if the below mentioned items were checked occasionally.

Safety Panel. Activate the "Test shut-down" and "Test slow-down" one at a time, and check that the appropriate white lamps immediately light up strongly. The test buttons should be activated (pushed) for at least 20 s in order to initiate the appropriate functions.

Precautions at Slow- and Shut-Downs

In the event of a slow- or shut-down occurring, the appropriate lamps light up on the bridge telegraph and in the signal panel for emergency in the control room. If, with regard to the safety of the vessel, it proves necessary to start the engine again, the "cancel" button on the bridge telegraph can be activated. Since this is an emergency function, it will immediately release an alarm in the engine room.

If it is not imperative for the engine to run, the fault should be rectified before the engine is stated again. When the fault has been rectified, the reset button is pressed on the control room.

Daily Use of the Bridge Manoeuvring System

Preparation and change over. Preparation and change over of the engine for the bridge control should be made in accordance with the instructions issued by the engine builder. The following points should be noted: The pump station for the hydraulic amplifier is started to provide oil pressure in the amplifier.

The automatic stop piston valve must be turned to the "Service" position.

Control Panel.

Check that the test telegraph switches on the mimic diagram are in the "Normal" position.

Check also that the switch in the engine speed test unit is in the "Tacho" position. If this switch is left in the "Test" position, the unit lamp will light up. If a start attempt is made, registration of the engine's turning will not take place and the tacho and repeated start supervision unit (TRS) will register the missing tacho signal, and after 6 sastart blocking and a tacho failure alarm will be initiated. If the control system is not furnished with a TRS Unit, starting air will be admitted until the pressure switch is activated.

Starting Control from Engine Control Room. Navigation

By shifting the telegraph lever from FULL AHEAD to NAVIGATION, a gradual acceleration program is activated; the program is adjustable and enables the engine to reach navigation RPM's in the desired lapse of time. 

If any fault occurs during gradual load take-over the engine load increase is interrupted; the engine stabilizes at the value reached at the moment in which the fault occurred and remains in that condition until the fault disappears.

Safety system of internal combustion engines

As a rule, the safety system is to come into action after the alarm system has operated.

Safety system of individual automated machinery is to operate when parameters exceed their limit values and is to cover all foreseeable fault conditions, assumed with regard to characteristics and operational properties of machinery concerned.

Safety system of internal combustion engines operating due to lubricating oil pressure drop and safety system of steam boilers operating due to low water level are to be independent of alarm and indicating systems, including the sensors.

Safety system of main internal combustion engine which may have influence upon manoeuvrability of the ship is to be provided with switching off facilities.

The switching off device is to be of such design as to exclude the possibility of its unintentional use and in case of safety system being switched off its position is to be indicated by means of a special signal. The switching off device need not cover safety system operating due to lubricating oil pressure drop.