Twelve partners from eight European countries have come together to launch the €10.2m (US$11m) All-DC-Ships project and create a working prototype ship powered by full DC electrical systems.
Prioritizing DC
The project is funded by Horizon Europe and kicked off in Brussels. It is intended to advance the electrification of maritime transportation with a fully DC-based architecture, including the secondary network supplying hotel loads. There will be developments in power converters with wide bandgap components, solid-state protection devices and energy management systems for better overall efficiency.
The partners have highlighted that while some vessels have already incorporated DC primary grids, their secondary grids have largely remained based on traditional AC solutions. By integrating advanced components with existing power converters and protection devices in primary and secondary grids, the All-DC-Ships project aims to reduce the risk of blackouts due to faults, improving the overall reliability of the power system.
Reaching net zero by 2050
Some 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from shipping, and ambitious targets have been set for emission cuts up to 2030 and 2050. Environmental friendliness will be the dominant challenge for the maritime industry in the coming years, and must be achieved while maintaining the requirements for safety and cost levels. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 20% by 2030. Its revised 2023 strategy sets a goal of net zero emissions from ships by 2050.
Prof. Pietro Tricoli, professor of power electronics systems within the department of electronic, electrical and systems engineering at the University of Birmingham, said, “Waterborne transportation must significantly reduce its use of fossil fuels and resulting greenhouse gas emissions to meet climate-neutral goals set for 2050. A vital part of this decarbonization effort is the rapid expansion of low-carbon power sources and energy storage solutions. To support this transition, shipboard power systems must integrate high-power components and protection devices more efficiently.”
In related news, Danfoss Drives recently took over the product team from Finland-based Ampner and acquired the ACE 300 product family to extend its electrification portfolio with a dedicated 1,500V DC power converter. Click here to read the full story.