2003-03-03 - Design features include remotely operated motorised circuit breakers
ABB is riding on the crest of a wave with an order for switchgear for the £30 million Mirabella V, the world’s largest single-masted superyacht. The Ron Holland-designed 75m long luxury yacht is due to sail the Caribbean seas later this year following its completion by Vosper Thornycroft. She is expected to achieve speeds of 20 knots or more.
ABB has supplied control panel and switchboard designers, Eastern Switchgear with US specified 408V 3-phase and neutral Isomax S1, S2 and S3 moulded case circuit breakers (MCCB).
Light weight solution
The design brief required an innovative approach towards the construction of the panels for this unique vessel. Assisted by ABB, Eastern Switchgear’s aim was to reduce the overall weight of the switchgear on board the yacht, which will prove essential to the final performance of the Mirabella V.
Paul Wright, operations director for Eastern Switchgear in Great Yarmouth commented: ABB’s range of Isomax MCCB’s can be installed horizontally or vertically without affecting their performance. Their compact modular design and ability to withstand a range of temperature and humidity levels makes them the ideal choice for this type of application, particularly where space is a premium.
The switchgear, fitted to panels located in the engine room and emergency switchboard room, has ABB motor operators attached, enabling it to be remotely operated from a central control position on board the 75m (245ft) yacht.
Mirabella V
Currently under construction by Vosper Thornycroft for the former head of Avis Joseph Vittoria, the Mirabella V will be the world’s largest composite sloop rigged superyacht. It is being fitted with a 90m (295ft) mast and will have a sail area measuring 2,791 square metres. Its length will be 75m with a beam of 14m. Performance is a key demand, with special emphasis on windward ability. Her brief has called for a capability of exceeding 20 kts. under sail.
Designed to accommodate up to twelve guests in six ensuite cabins, the yacht boasts
state-of-the-art entertainment systems, including indoor and outdoor cinema, TV and DVD systems in all cabins serviced by a centralised music distribution system. Other leisure facilities include a gym, sauna, spa and wading pools.
ABB company background
The Automation Technologies division serves the automotive, building, chemicals, consumer, electronics, life sciences, manufacturing, marine, metals, minerals, paper, petroleum, transportation, turbocharging and utility industries. Key technologies include control, drives, enterprise software, instrumentation, low-voltage products, motors, robots and turbochargers. These offerings are supported by field maintenance and asset management services, and are sold both directly and through channel partners.
Eastern Switchgear
Based in Great Yarmouth, Eastern Switchgear Ltd is the control panel and switchboard design and construction division of the E-Tech Group of companies. The group encompasses all of the elements of an electrical project, including CAD design, installation and commissioning, and supply of cables and equipment from specialist companies within the group.